Bibliography:
Freedman, Russell. 2006. The Adventures of Marco Polo. Ill. By Bagram Ibatoulline. New York: Arthur A. Levine. ISBN 043952394
Plot Summary:
The name Marco Polo is synonymous with exploration. In this biography, Russell Freedman tells of Marco Polo’s life, focusing on his years in Kublai Khan’s China; made famous in Polo’s book The Description of the World. Freedman writes of the wonders Polo described: dust storms, bandits, crocodiles, pirates, the wonders of China, the amazing city of Quinsai, and Polo’s eventual trip back home accompanying one of Khan’s daughters. A section at the end of the book discusses arguments supporting and rebuffing Polo’s claims. Polo’s stories, which have sparked the imagination of millions through the years, get new life in Freedman’s book.
Critical Review:
Was Marco Polo one of the greatest explorers the world has ever known? Or was he a liar who fabricated amazing stories about adventures that never really happened? A past Newbery Award Winner, Freedman’s beautifully illustrated book tells the life of Marco Polo; those events in his life that probably did happen, and those events that may have happened. Perfect for middle readers, Freedman’s writing is challenging, but always clear and engaging. Although The Adventures of Marco Polo is nonfiction, Freedman’s descriptions of Polo’s travels often read like an adventure book.
The abundant illustrations are a combination of archival pieces and new paintings by Bagram Ibatoulline. Ibatoulline states that he emulated the artistic styles of the different cultures Polo documented. His artwork blends beautifully with the true period pieces. With Ibatoulline’s detailed paintings, the beige “aged” paper, the gold leaf effect of the cover, the burgundy endpapers - this is truly a beautiful book that will entice readers young and old.
Does it really matter whether Polo truly travelled to China or not? Freedman doesn’t seem to think so. Truth, lies, or a combination of the two, Marco Polo’s book ignited imaginations, including those of other great explorers (including Christopher Columbus). Freedman’s book beautifully captures that sense of exploration; the excitement of seeing wonders that few have ever seen before.
Review Excerpts:
“Newbery Medal-winner Freedman takes readers along on Polo's journey in a book that is as beautiful as many of the sights the explorer observed.” - Booklist (October 15, 2006)
“Freedman's impeccable research, historical fidelity and flair for engrossing narrative nonfiction combine with handsome bookmaking for a highly recommended biography.”- Publishers Weekly (October 2, 2006)
Connections:
Read other books by Russell Freedman (including his Newbery Award Winning Lincoln: A Photobiography)
Compare other books about Marco Polo (such as Marco Polo: A Photographer’s Journey by Michael Yamashita and Marco Polo: The Boy Who Traveled the Medieval World by Mick McCarty)
Pair with Kublai Khan: Emporer of the Everything by Kathleen Krull for a discussion of Khan and his empire
Using map paper, older students could create a map and overlay overlay comparing modern Asia with Asia when Polo was alive
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