Juan Ponce de Leon is a biography of the man whose name the title suggest. It is a very easy to read version of the events of Ponce de Leon’s life. It includes pictures that help to tell the story. The book also periodically asks the readers questions that would help a child to relate to the adventures of Ponce de Leon – such as, would you be brave enough to sail into the unknown in search of gold?

I learned a lot about Ponce de Leon from this book. I did not realize that he is still revered in Puerto Rico which he is said to have ruled fairly as governor the colonies there. Ponce de Leon’s tomb still exist in San Juan. I knew of him mainly for his quest for the fountain of youth. I did not realize that he helped govern Puerto Rico. I also did not realize that he was an officer on Columbus’s second trip to the Caribbean.

This book could obviously used to help teach a social studies unit on early European explorers of the New World. This book provides information that might bring in additional topics that a social studies text may not cover. Another thing I would have the children do is I would have them try to think of a time in their lives where they traveled to a new place. How did you feel at that time, excited, scared, nervous, etc.. Do you think Ponce de Leon felt this same feeling of exhilaration when he was exploring a new land? I would have them either write an essay or draw a picture and have them share their experiences with the class. ( )