Pedro’s Journal
Pedro’s Journal is a vivid revelation of the details of the Christopher Columbus’ famous 1492 voyage.
Pedro de Salcedo could not have known what adventures lay ahead! His incredible voyage as ship’s boy aboard Christopher Columbus’ Santa Maria would bring both danger and excitement. Pedro captured his experience between the pages of a journal. If he did not return alive perhaps someone, someday would find it and learn of his incredible journey to the New World.
Author Pam Conrad uses the device of a journal to tell of his adventures with Columbus. Readers see the boy’s discomfort in the explorer’s proprietary treatment of the natives and, in particular, his shame that these people are allowed to believe that the Spaniards are deities.
Koeppen’s line drawings, many of the ships and their equipage, add dimension to the plot. Conrad’s story will serve as an attractive alternative to nonfiction reading on the subject.