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Adventures of Marco Polo, The

Publication Information

Author: Freedman, Russell

Illustrator: Ibatoulline, Bagram

Title: Adventures of Marco Polo, The

Date: 2006

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine

City: New York

ISBN, paperback: 0-439-52394-X

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL:

Family:

Young Adult:

Picture: Yes

General Information:

Book Type(s): nonfiction, biography and autobiography

HSE Descriptor(s): social studies

Summary:

The author recounts the 13th Century life and exploration of the famous Venetian, Marco Polo. The fascinating illustrations reflect the style of the time and place of each segment of the story. The author includes ample supplemental information on the archival illustrations and the records of Marco Polo. Beginning readers might have difficulty with the type face used in identifying illustrations.

Teaching Ideas:

Since students may be fascinated with the question of whether Marco Polo's account of his travels was true or not, classroom teams could debate the issue with arguments and support for each side. Other strategies dealing with controversy would also work well. Students might discuss or write about the influence and consequences, both intended and unintended, of Marco Polo's travels. What form did "globalization" take during Polo's century versus what we consider globalization now? His journeys provide material for math and map skill practice. The Internet is a rich source of information on Marco Polo including original documents. For lesson plans, see http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=488; www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/expolo.htm; and http//historymedren.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.eduplace.com/ss/hmss/7/unit/act4.1.htm.

Teaching Strategies: