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Description
This book chronicles the life and adventures of thirteenth-century Italian explorer Marco Polo, describing his experiences in the Orient and in Asia, his seventeen years at the court of the Kublai Khan, and the legacy he left behind.
Quick Summary
If your kid loves stories about daring explorers and far-off places, this is a fantastic pick. It follows Marco Polo's incredible journey from Italy all the way to the court of Kublai Khan in China, and the details about the cultures he encountered silk, spices, giant cities you wouldn't believe make it feel way more like an adventure novel than a textbook. At 5,000 words it's a quick read, but it packs in enough vivid moments to stick with you. One thing I appreciate is that it doesn't sugarcoat the difficulties of his travels, so there's some mild danger and hardship, which makes the triumphs feel real. It's perfect for middle graders who are curious about history but might not want something super dense. If your young reader enjoyed "The Diary of a Young Girl" or other historical accounts from a kid's perspective, they'd probably like this too same idea of experiencing history through someone's personal story, just way more camels and deserts. Parents can feel good about it too; it's educational without being preachy, and it's short enough that even reluctant readers can power through it.