While we don’t study Christopher Columbus each year, we do read several books on Columbus Day.
(We study Christopher Columbus in depth using our history curriculum, which is on a 4-year cycle.)
Today I’m sharing my favorite Christopher Columbus books, so go check them out from your library! Learn all about the man who thought he was in the Orient when he landed in the Americas!
♥ Make sure you take a peek at the Christopher Columbus worksheets and coloring book at the end of this post!
Favorite Books About Christopher Columbus
Just a note about Christopher Columbus books: I realize there is a great controversy surrounding the true and accurate version of Christopher Columbus’ life.
If there are details in these books that do not line up with what you believe accurately happened, take it as a teaching opportunity for your kiddos. 🙂
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Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus by Peter Sis
This is the perfect biography for young learners, Preschool to First(ish) grade. The text is simple and the illustrations are nothing but gorgeous.
We own this picture book and love it!
Christopher Columbus by Stephen Krensky
Since this is a Step Into Reading book, the text is very simple. Whichever early reader I have at the moment (this year it’s my 1st grader) will read this to us!
The illustrations are interesting, but not too busy.
Columbus by Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire
This biography is phenomenal, as are all of the D’Aulaire books!
There is an attention to detail and facts that makes this book a page turner. The D’Aulaire’s did a massive amount of research on Columbus, and it shows through each page in this book!
This particular biography is best used as a read aloud to the Preschool – 2nd grade crowd. Older children (3rd-6th grades) or younger advanced readers could read it independently.
Meet Christopher Columbus by James T. De Kay
This is a simple chapter book-style biography for young readers, which is part of the Landmark Books series. There are several levels in the Landmark Books series, and this is their beginning level. Definitely keep this biographical series in mind when assigning history reading to your kiddos!
The text is larger and there are illustrations sprinkled throughout each 1-3 page chapter.
This book is an excellent fit for those kiddos just starting to read independently.
Pedro’s Journal by Pam Conrad
This was a new book for us this year. Pedro’s Journal is written in a neat journaling style that really appeals to my young readers.
This is the fictional account of Pedro, who is a young ship boy, working for the infamous Christopher Columbus.
While this is not a true account of Christopher Columbus’ journey, it provides an interesting aspect of what other crew members might have experienced with Columbus as their leader.
Use this book as a read aloud with your children, or it can be independent reading for 3rd grade and up. The text is large, there are a few pictures throughout, and the content is broken up into bite-size chunks.
Christopher Columbus – Across the Ocean Sea by Janet and Geoff Benge
It is pretty rare that I put a book on our Favorites list that I haven’t yet read, however, I am going to break my own rule with this book!
We’ve read several books by Janet and Geoff Benge, and they have been fascinating!
We are finishing up our current read aloud, so we won’t get to start this one until Monday. I’ll update here with a quickie summary once we’re finished!
Don’t miss these Christopher Columbus Worksheets and Printables!
Christopher Columbus worksheets for 2nd-4th graders!
Reading comprehension, map work, vocabulary words, and more.
12 printable activities.
Christopher Columbus Coloring Pages
This packet contains 14 half pages that create a mini-coloring book. So fun!
Baa Baa Black Sheep Nursery Rhyme Packet
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