Reading Metrics
Description
This book describes the history of cartography, discusses its importance in the development of different cultures, and explains how it is done.
Quick Summary
For middle graders who've ever dreamed of charting a course across an uncharted island, Navigation offers a lively tour of how humans have turned the world into pictures. It mixes the stories of ancient explorers, like the Polynesian wayfinders and the European Age of Discovery, with the science of how maps are made from simple compass bearings to high-tech GPS. The book is packed with colorful illustrations and hands-on tips, so readers can try their hand at drawing a map or using a star chart, making it a great pick for kids who love both history and puzzles. With an 8.5 reading level, it's accessible to kids who are ready for more complex nonfiction but still enjoys a friendly, story-driven approach. Parents will appreciate that it's solidly educational without being dry, and the historical snippets about shipwrecks and cultural clashes are presented in a kid-friendly way. If your child enjoyed the adventure-style approach of "The Explorers" series or the map-making activities in "Maphead" for younger readers, they'll find this a perfect next step.