This page contains the books and materials (plus reviews) used in our American history curriculum topic 11. This topic in our curriculum will explore Spanish exploration, Cortes, Pizarro and Cabeza de Vaca.

Books and Materials for Topic 11

Icon Key and Explanations

Cortés & Pizarro [videorecording] / produced and directed by Issembert Productions, Inc.; director/producer, Yves Gérard Issembert. Wynnewood, PA : Schlesinger Media, c2000

Topic 11

Spanish Explorers [videorecording] / produced and directed by Issembert Productions, Inc.; director/producer, Yves Gérard Issembert. Wynnewood, PA : Schlessinger Media, c2000.

“Two young hosts encounter the conquistadors who explored the New World. Hear the tale of Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, who traveled across North America from Florida to California. Get to know Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who explored the American Southwest. Learn about Juan Ponce de Léon's discovery of Florida and Hernando de Soto's discovery of the Mississippi River.”

Topic 11

This Country of Ours Selections 6, 7, 8, 9
*This is an optional read-aloud from a free online text.
6. HOW THE FLAG OF ENGLAND WAS PLANTED ON THE SHORES OF THE NEW WORLD
7. HOW THE FLAG OF FRANCE WAS PLANTED IN FLORIDA
8. HOW THE FRENCH FOUNDED A COLONY IN FLORIDA
9. HOW THE SPANIARDS DROVE THE FRENCH OUT OF FLORIDA

We Asked for Nothing: The Remarkable Journey of Cabeza de Vaca  (Stuart Waldman) 46 pages
This is a worthwhile, engaging and powerful story about the survival and adventures of Cabeza de Vaca and his men after they were shipwrecked on an island off of Texas in 1528. Actual translations of Cabeza de Vaca's writings are featured in numerous side bars which gives a personal touch and a taste of actual (translated) source texts. There is also a fold out map that you can trace his journey on as you read. This is one of the best and memoralbe books I've found on Cabeza de Vaca and it prompted quite a few interesting discussions between me and my 8 year old.

*This book contains some possibly “objectionable” material. It shows a naked Cabeza de Vaca from a side view. You can’t see any “private parts” but it’s clear he is unclothed. 

Topic 11

PLUS

The Story of the U.S.A. Book 1

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