This First Names biography series for middle grade brings one of the greatest explorers of the fifteenth century - Ferdinand Magellan who was the first man to sail around the world.
Ferdinand was born to a noble
family in 1480 in Sabrosa, Portugal, among rolling hills with vineyards. When
he was about eight his family moved to Porto by the sea where he admired the
ships of explorers, and dreamed of being a captain and travel to mysterious
places.
After losing both parents in 1490,
he was sent to school for Pages in Lisbon. As a page he watched all the
explorers approach the king for funds.
In 1493, when he was thirteen,
Christopher Columbus received funds from Spain for his voyage across the
Atlantic Ocean. Ferdinand dreamed of exciting travels, but instead he was given
a clerical position.
After ten boring years, there was
hope on the horizon for Ferdinand when Vasco da Gama traveled beyond the
southern tip of Africa to India. King Manuel of Portugal wanted to conquer the
new lands for its riches. Twenty two worships were assembled, but he didn’t
have enough men. This was Ferdinand’s chance at his dream. As a noble, he
couldn’t sign up as a working crew member. He had to sign up as a “gentleman
adventurer,” who came for adventure, not money.
Ferdinand distinguished himself and
got praised by the captain who promoted him as his assistant. After conquering
the west coast of India, they pushed farther east. After conquering Malacca, at
thirty-three, after eight years, he returned to Portugal.
Meanwhile, there were some new
discoveries in South America, and Ferdinand saw his chance to discover
something new. After securing the funds, his expedition took him west, toward
southern tip of South America. Afterwards, they persisted west and arrived at
Philippines. They were getting close to the Spice Islands, when Ferdinand lost
his life in a battle at Mactan Island.
Even though he didn’t actually make
it to the Spice Islands, he is still credited to be the first one to
circumnavigate the world as his fleet finished the journey.
This biography embodies true nature of an explorer, a man who was curious about the world and craved to discover something new.
This
biography series for young readers, 8-12 years, is written with a fun language.
Some of the illustrations are in a form of comic book, which carry amusing
dialogue.
Published in 2020 by Harry N. Abrams
TRENDING
INSPIRATION: Be Observant and Open to New Experiences
Traits:
·
As a child, he observed ships at port which led him to dream
of being a captain in order to travel to mysterious places.
·
As a page at king’s
court, he watched all the explorers approach the king for funds.
·
After ten boring years at king’s court, he acted when
opportunity presented and signed up for an unknown adventure with Vasco da Gama
who was conquering new lands.
·
He distinguished himself quickly and got
promoted as captain’s assistant.
·
After returning from his adventure, he signed
up for his own expedition. He already knew how to secure funds.
·
He is credited to be the first one to circumnavigate the
world.
“I am not afraid of darkness. Real death is preferable to a life without living.” – Vasco da Gama
“Travel teaches
us that we have ability to adapt.” – Ferdinand Magellan
