Beyond the Sea of Ice: The Voyages of Henry Hudson (Great Explorers) (Hardcover)

by Joan Elizabeth Goodman (Author), Fernando Rangel (Author) "In 1607, the Muscovy Company chose Henry Hudson to lead a new voyage of discovery..." (more)
Key Phrases: northeast passage, northwest passage, Half Moon, Robert Juet, Muscovy Company (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-The English explorer who searched in vain for a "speedy" route to China is brought to light. Readers will learn about Hudson the man, some details about each of his four voyages to North America, and what traveling by sea in the 17th century entailed. The prevailing cruelty inflicted on Native Americans may be upsetting to some readers, but Goodman has reported faithfully the encounters of the English with them. In an appended note, she explains that she used the word "Indian" to refer to the people of North America because that is the word the explorer used. Rangel's full-page, sometimes somber paintings are reminiscent of Marcia Sewall's work in the Pilgrims of Plimoth (Atheneum, 1986). Where Goodman's book shines is in the foldout maps and diagrams of the voyages and in the journal entries by Hudson and members of his crews. The endpapers, borders, and details such as the page numbers encapsulated in a rising sun symbol add to the book's visual appeal. When the next group of students with an assignment on explorers descends on the library, have this useful and attractive resource on hand.
Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
This attractive volume from the Great Explorers Books series begins with an introduction that sets the stage for the Age of Exploration and Hudson's part in it. A foldout map indicating the routes of Hudson's four voyages of exploration extends beyond the pages, making it accessible to readers as they follow his story through the text. Each chapter focuses on one voyage, including its sponsors, purpose, difficulties (sometimes calamities), and its outcome. Full-page, bordered paintings provide dramatic visions of events, while small ink drawings and maps are also effective. An introduction to Hudson's voyages that will spark readers' interest. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Mikaya Press (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965049388
• ISBN-13: 978-0965049382
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #553,830 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, fair and honest. Excellent for target age & adults!, June 9, 2009

By	nycbuyer (nyc) - See all my reviews

We purchased this to augment our New York State study. I first saw it at Barnes and Noble and could not put it down. Both the prose and the illustrations (Fernando Rangel) drew me in. I couldn't wait to get home and order the book from Amazon.

Joan Elizabeth Goodman is not only an excellent writer, but also one of integrity. She does not portray Hudson as some god-like hero/explorer/discoverer. She portrays him (and his crew) with straightforward honesty. She does not castigate them, nor does she hide their less than honorable actions.

When I was in school so many of the explorers were described in very glorious terms. I was alway so disappointed when I found out that the history that I'd been taught was not the complete truth. I would have preferred seeing history & those who moved history as they were. The good, the neutral, and the ugly. Children can handle the truth. Better to find out the truth when you're young (in terms children can handle, of course), than to find out that you've been fed half truths and lies. This book fits the bill.

In conclusion, I learned more about Henry Hudson and his voyages from this book than I had ever learned in all my years of schooling (college included). I think the actions that saddened me the most was how the "civilized" Europeans treated the Native Americans with such contempt. The Native Americans were hospitable and the treatment was not necessarily reciprocated. In one instance Hudson invited some Mahican leaders on their ship and got them drunk to see if they were planning any treacherous actions.

I highly recommend this book to those who like to read history as it happened, not as we might wish it happened.

Kudos to Goodman, Rangel, and Mikaya Press!