Reviews: (by author)

Torrey, Michele. To the Edge of the World. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. $15.95. ISBN 0-375-82338-7.

This excellent historical novel follows Mateo Macias de Avila, age 14, after his parents have died of the bubonic plague in Spain. The year is 1519, and Mateo, orphaned and without food or money, soon finds himself volunteering to be a crewmember on Magellan's historical voyage around the world.

Torrey did extensive research on the voyage, and all of the characters on the ships—except for Mateo—are based on historical people. Likewise, the major events in the plot and the plight of the sailors are based on historical fact. The story is not only engaging and interesting, but it also serves as a history lesson. This seems to be an ingenious way to unwittingly teach young adults about history because they have a character to identify with and learn facts via an engaging story.

Frank H. Sweeney, February 2004

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