Maurizio Onnis

Summary: Geronimo Stilton gets a call from the professor that the pirate cats are traveling through time in an attempt to change the future. Geronimo gathers his crew and by way of the Speedrat (a time machine) catch up with the pirate cats, who have time traveled to 1492 Spain – the pirate cats were attempting to stop Columbus from discovering America. Geronimo and his crew get hired on to sail with Columbus on the Santa Maria; also sailing with them were the Nina and the Pinta. As they sail across the ocean, Geronimo and his crew unmask the pirate cats before the ships reach the Indies and turn them over to Columbus. They find land, and disembark in what Columbus declares San Salvador. After the return trip, Geronimo and his crew return to the professor, mission accomplished and ready for a new adventure.

Personal reaction: Although the characters are mice, the story keeps true to Columbus’s discovery of America. This graphic novel tells the story, but in “comic book” fashion with the good guys and the bad guys. The graphics are colorful and the bubbles show the expressions of the characters.

Classroom extension: 1. I would use this book with a lesson Columbus and the discovery of America. 2. I would also use this book with a lesson on geography.… (meer)