Father's Road by Ji-Yun Jang & illustrated by Tan Jun from Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (97808028)54728)

ISBN13: 9780802854728
Paperback - Eerdmans Publishing

My thoughts:  Introducing young children to history using stories about children their own age, is a good educational tool. The author should be careful to make certain his or her historic account is authentic and simply embellish the story with words and actions of the characters to make it suitable reading for youth.

The Trade Winds educational series publication Father's Road brings a story to the reader of what might have occurred during the period of time that was about 100 years prior to the birth of Christ. The story recounts the harshness of the journey that took over a year for the caravan to reach their destination. Not only was the terrain rugged and unforgiving, there were bandits and many dangers along the way.

Things that can be learned include the type of journey, the terrain, the terror of bandits, and the possibility of illness overtaking the traveler.

The pages in the back of the book give opportunity for the young reader to learn more about the period of history with a short history of the origin of The Silk Road, some key terms and concepts, the beginning of global exchange, merchandise from around the world, the geography of The Silk Road, and a timeline of events.

This is a children's picture book and is meant to entertain as well as educate. Hopefully, books like the Trade Winds Series will plant seeds of interest in the minds of young readers encouraging them to further explore history as the grow into adulthood.

I highly recommend.

About the book: Wong Chung is thrilled when he has the chance to join his father’s caravan and embark on a journey along the Silk Road. But with the harsh terrain, brutal sandstorms, and marauding bandits, the journey is not an easy one. With so many obstacles will they ever be able to reach the magnificent markets in Constantinople?
This book in the new Trade Winds series presents historical information about the most well-known trade route in a fun, accessible way.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Eerdmans Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.