Ponce de León: Exploring Florida and Puerto Rico

This book is suitable for ages 8-14. Famous for his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth, Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon is credited with the discovery of Florida in 1513, as well as making Puerto Rico and the Gulf Stream known to the Spanish world. This sensitively written new book describes his encounters with the Calusa, the native inhabitants of Florida, and the Taino, natives of Puerto Rico. Young readers will enjoy reading about life at sea and the hardships faced by his crew. A recipe from the period is also included. The topics include: Ponce de Leon's life, from a page, to a squire, to Governor of a plantation; his military successes; his motivation for seeking to settle the New World; his discoveries of Florida and of The Tortugas; his plantation Cassava, and its role in future trade routes; the relationships he had with Native Americans: aid from the Taino Indians in farming, and the repulsion by the Calusa Natives from the Florida coast; life at sea for Ponce de Leon and his crew; a recipe for Cassava bread.