The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World

by Marc Aronson, John W. Glenn

National Geographic has always given readers the bigger picture of our world. Now The World Made New shows children the bigger context of American history. Written by award-winning children's author Marc Aronson and John W. Glenn, this innovative title will lead children through the causes and consequences of the defining age of exploration. Its unique approach will provide children with new ways of thinking about and learning from history, and instill a lasting sense of our country's past.

The World Made New provides a detailed account of the charting of the New World and the long-term effects of America's march into history. The text uses primary sources to bring history to life and features evocative profiles of the major explorers of the age. The book is beautifully illustrated with full-color artwork, multiple-time lines, and six custom National Geographic maps. The text and layout combine to provide an enlightening overview of New World exploration, and outline the historical context for the discoveries that literally changed the world.

The narrative carries young readers through this age of glorious, and sometimes inglorious, adventure. Follow the timeline of history unfolding; how the early colonies were established; how dissemination of products like the potato, tomato, tobacco, and corn made the Americas a major part of the new world economy; and how the Caribbean became a major trading hub.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Geography, School, Picture Books, Audiobook

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Aronson has won many awards for his books for young readers and has a doctorate in American history. His lectures cover educational topics such as mysteries and controversies in American history, teenagers and their reading, the literary passions of boys, and always leave audiences asking for more.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/marcar...

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

So yes, I do generally find Marc Aronson and John W. Glenn’s presented narrative in their The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World interesting, educational and as such also pretty much full of enlightenment (and with the accompanying visuals providing an aesthetically appealing enough mirror, although one that for me personally also kind of has felt a trifle distracting and even almost throwing me out of the text proper a few times).

But with regard to set-up, organisation, choice of vocabulary, narrationally speaking with The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World Marc Aronson and John W. Glenn do feature and present a pretty densely informational text that is definitely rather wordy and detailed, but also and thankfully never penned by the two authors in an overly complex manner, and thus in my opinion perfect for introducing young readers from about the age of ten or so to the so-called Age of Exploration (and discovery), although The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World would actually also work pretty decently for interested adults wanting an extensive but not too specifically and overly intensive introduction to the conquest and colonisation of the so-called New World, of North and South America.

However, while I do of course appreciate how generally balanced Marc Aronson and and John W. Glenn are being, have been with regard to analysing the results and the consequences of these voyages of discovery and conquest for the Native populations encountered, and that in The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World there is thankfully no longer any uncritical hero worshipping of individuals like Christoper Columbus present, I still rather do not at all think that textually and thematically speaking Aronson and Glenn go nearly far enough with their criticisms, in other words that The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World still does not in my opinion do nearly enough unilaterally and utterly condemning the negative and bigoted attitudes of the explorers, of their backers, of their fellow Europeans regarding the Aztecs, the Incas, the Native populations of the Americas. And as such, I also do find it ridiculous and painfully laughable that some moronic reviewers on in particular Amazon actually seem to actively consider The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World a totally left wing rant and just because there is some necessary and deserved condemnation of the Age of Exploration, there is criticism of individuals like Christopher Columbus and other explorers to be encountered (and I guess that these same silly doughbrains would likely now equally label me a radical Communist since I am in fact saying that the critical attitudes and analyses of the authors regarding exploration and colonisation actually for me are still more than a bit insufficient).

Three stars in general for The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World (as I am definitely rather a bit disappointed that Marc Aronson and John W. Glenn have not been more specifically and all encompassingly condemning towards the negative and for the most part racist and bigoted attitudes of the explorers and colonisers towards the individuals, towards the tribes and civilizations they encountered in North and South America) but upped to four stars, as I do think that The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World presents a generally decent and also striving to be thematically balanced enough text, and that yes, the included bibliographic materials (containing both books and relevant web sites) is truly outstanding and greatly increases the supplemental research value of The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World.

[Cheryl]

If easily found, discuss in Children's book group August 2021.

[Treasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, I love the books National Geographic puts out these days. This book, however, was not quite up to the standards I expect from National Geographic, based on the other books I have read that they have published. The basic content was mostly good - informative, generally clear, etc., and there was a good balance of text and illustration. But I did have some problems. I felt like the authors did not do a very good job of explaining who some of the historical characters were and giving the reader background information to put the people in context. All of a sudden this person would be going off exploring, and I would have no idea who this person was or why I should care what he did. There was a glossary or people in the back, but I didn't discover that until I had finished the book. And, frankly, I didn't feel like the glossary told me much that the text of the book hadn't already told me. My other big problem was with the timelines in the book. I found them very hard to read. I was constantly reading things out of order because I couldn't figure out what came first. I would think that National Geographic would be able to figure out how to create effective timelines. There were also a lot of typos in this book, which was not a really big deal, just something I noticed.

Anyway, over all, it really was a pretty good book. It does give the reader a sense of all the exploring that was going on and how much this changed the world.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

National Geographic has always given readers the bigger picture of our world. Now The World Made New shows children the bigger context of American history. Written by award-winning children's author Marc Aronson and John W. Glenn, this innovative title will lead children through the causes and consequences of the defining age of exploration. Its unique approach will provide children with new ways of thinking about and learning from history, and instill a lasting sense of our country's past.

The World Made New provides a detailed account of the charting of the New World and the long-term effects of America's march into history. The text uses primary sources to bring history to life and features evocative profiles of the major explorers of the age. The book is beautifully illustrated with full-color artwork, multiple-time lines, and six custom National Geographic maps. The text and layout combine to provide an enlightening overview of New World exploration, and outline the historical context for the discoveries that literally changed the world.

The narrative carries young readers through this age of glorious, and sometimes inglorious, adventure. Follow the timeline of history unfolding; how the early colonies were established; how dissemination of products like the potato, tomato, tobacco, and corn made the Americas a major part of the new world economy; and how the Caribbean became a major trading hub.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting history of the early European explorers to the western hemisphere. The text is very readable. Most of the illustrations were photographs of historic paintings or artwork made by indigenous people long ago, with explanatory captions. Included was a painting of a ship by N. C. Wyeth. There were also small maps scattered throughout, detailing the journeys and routes of the early explorers. For approximately 4th -- 6th grade students.

[Bella Rowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for school and found it actually very boring and drawn out. It was helpful for facts and notes on history but not very interesting. It was also a picture book which might have made it more difficult to read and made the book feel longer.

[Roxanne Hsu Feldman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am having a lot of trouble and issues with this book. Been thinking about it for days and days now. This title has made it to the Midwinter Notables discussion list so there will be a public discussion/debate over.

Here's what I posted on child_lit:

I am writing in quite a degree of bafflement over The World Made New:
Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World, and
in great need for clarification and help from the list members who
have read the book as to what you see being the central, overt, or
implied themes in this title.

I cannot quite understand my own reaction at this moment... full of
skepticism and bafflement and probably offended as well... but by
WHAT? I can't quite put words to my feelings. Maybe it's over the
fairly confident statements that although thousands (if not hundreds
of thousands) did die or suffer from the speedy
expansion/invasion/exploitation during the Age of Exploration, we
should all also feel somehow grateful to have the rich fusion of
foods, customs, fashions, germs and the radical changes in religious,
political and scientific ideas -- all direct results of these
historical happenings...

... and I thought... hm... I'd probably prefer exchanges of all these
wonderful things from commerce and fair trade than from tortures,
slaughtering, and enslavement of fellow human beings.... but I
couldn't find this side of the sentiment anywhere in the book.

So.. help me -- am I just being paranoid? IS there any reason that I
should experience this unease? Is it by design? Intentionally
provocative? Or... what?

=============================
I need HELP understanding the significance, the positive aspects, and the "notability" of this title!

[Scott Volz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published by the respected National Geographic Society, The World Made New provides an informative and well-designed introduction to the Age of Discovery, particularly in relation to the North American continent. Published in 2007, the authors take a measured stance when addressing the more speculative facts of exploration and its effects--such as the population number/density of Native Americans before the arrival of Europeans and just how many died from disease. The book includes a partial bibliography and a listing of other useful books and web sites.

The World Made New is divided into three logically-constructed sections that analyze the Age of Exploration: Causes, What Happened, and Consequences. Each section contained sub-sections that focus in on particular events and concepts. The dual-sidedness of influence and exchange is something the authors emphasize--perhaps best illustrated when the authors outline the geographic origins of the foodstuffs that might make up a contemporary meal, transplanted as a result of trade and exploration. As one would expect from a National Geographic publication, the book benefits from an array of art, photographs, timelines, and maps. The inclusion of a biographical dictionary and glossary at the back of the book is another welcome addition for unfamiliar readers.

Though more appealing than the juvenile nonfiction books of the past, the book still seems more likely to be read for research rather than pleasure. And for readers looking for information about exploration originating beyond European shores and from a non-Western perspective, this book is not a very good choice. That said, on the whole The World Made New is a worthwhile introduction to the Age of Exploration.

[Dinah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend reading from several books and not just this alone. I used this book as part of our homeschool curriculum. The author proclaims to present an unbiased point of view. Not so!! It did in some parts portray the natives as always victims. The Europeans, as always the conquerors killing off 90% of the native population. Thankfully, as a child while I lived in Mexico, I did learn about the native tribes of central and South America. These tribes were not helpless victims. They were fierce warriors who also conquered and brutally killed other tribes. They sacrificed humans, also had slaves, etc.... I recommend reading books about these tribes as well to get a full picture.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This rather thin volume contains a somewhat original view of the importance of late 15th century exploration by Europeans, but is certainly not exhaustive, or even definitive. Some statements, particularly concerning American population as this era commenced, seem somewhat light on scholarship by couching them with words like "if true" and "should they be true."

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

They insinuate that there was no cannibalism that the explorers encountered. Kinda scratching my head over that part. It’s a good overview, it leaves out religion as a factor for the explorers. It brings up a lot of the consequences of European explorers and settlers but I don’t feel it was in an antagonistic way. There are a good number of discussions that can be sparked with this book.

[Jess Roe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info. Interesting writing. I like that there were more details available on each page that weren’t a part of the main writing. My more history geared kid could dive in deeper without boring my other child.

[Jenna W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit long for reading to a class of students. Definitely full of good information.

[Dodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn’t met my expectations. I have liked National Geographic books before but I didn’t get into this one. I also think I didn’t how the information was arranged.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Age of Exploration began with Columbus "discovering" America in 1492. After his trip many other explorers set out to discover the riches America had to offer. Their expeditions brought many things to Europe: the potato and tomato, spices, gold and silver and new ways of life. These explorers changed the world in both good and bad ways. They opened up trade routes and new lands for exploration, but the native peoples suffered greatly as their way of life came to an end. The explorers were generally not friendly to the natives. They saw them as savages to be tamed with riches to be taken. They brought death and disease and destruction to the natives. This book provides a good overview of why these explorations took place, what they found and the consequences of their discoveries.

[Charlotte Osborn-bensaada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this book when my daughter was studying the Age of Exploration and it hit me how much more they teach today than when I was in school. Gone is Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, instead a rich textered history of the complexities surrounding exploration and what happens when people discover each other.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of timelines, that help keep things straight.
It covers a lot of territory in a few pages, explaining the age of exploration, and showing some of the consequences of exploring the new world.

[Maren Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The discovery of America told in a very accessible way. The timelines in the book can be a bit confusing, but everything else is top notch.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

New insights through pictures,timelines,maps and more of the encounter between the civilizations of the old and new worlds.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Organized very strangely for a kid's book.

[Caitlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a good way to learn about ur explorers.