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Magical And Educational
Find Me in Time: Meeting Columbus follows a group of friends with a magical treehouse who travel through time to see history take place in real life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The concept of time travel has always been fascinating to me, and I wanted to create a story that would not only entertain children but also educate them about important historical events. The idea of a magical treehouse that transports a group of friends to different eras seemed like the perfect way to make the story both magical and educational.
What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationships?
The characters’ relationships were inspired by my experiences growing up and my relationships with my peers. I wanted to show how a group of friends can work together to solve problems and achieve their goals. As society becomes increasingly diverse, I sought to reflect this reality with a wide range of relatable characters that could provide valuable insights and knowledge.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Accurately portraying the historical events that my characters experienced was of utmost importance to me. To achieve this, I researched the era extensively and consulted with historians to ensure the details were precise. Moreover, I underscored the significance of learning from the past and how historical events influence contemporary society.
Furthermore, I intended to introduced students to the conflicting versions of history. It is crucial for children to comprehend that history is not always clear-cut, and that diverse perspectives and interpretations can shape our perceptions of the past. By delving into different viewpoints, my objective is to encourage critical thinking and instill a greater appreciation for the intricacy of history.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The next book in the series will take the characters to 1961 to explore the first lunar landing. I’m excited to take readers on this journey and show them what it was like to witness such a historic moment. The book is scheduled to be published in August 2023, so keep an eye out for it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
A normal day of hide-and-seek turns into a discovery of a lifetime when five young friends are transported back in time after finding a secret clubhouse at the top of a sycamore tree. Dubbing themselves the Tree House Club, Ashley, Emma, Keith, Aaron, and Harry learn that events of the past didn’t necessarily unfold the way they learned in school.
The treehouse has magical abilities that take Ashley and her friends to Guanahani in 1492, a time the kids requested to witness Christopher Columbus’s first arrival on his voyage to the New World!
There, the friends—dubbed the Tree House Club—meet the kind and generous Taino Lukku-Cairo tribespeople who welcome their new visitors with food and gifts.
It isn’t long before the Taino chief, Tiburon, and the Tree House Club friends see three sailing ships approaching. With history on their side, the kids realize it is the famed explorer, Christopher Columbus, who quickly makes his claim for the Taino’s native land for the Queen of Spain.
The kids soon learn that what their history books did not teach them was some of the lesser-known facts about Columbus, his greedy intentions in Guanahani—or San Salvador, as he named it—and his poor treatment of the humble Taino people.
But the children’s friendships with the Taino put their own lives in danger from the European colonists. Will the treehouse save them in time? Order your copy now and find out!
Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus
What if you could journey back in time, witness historical events firsthand, and unearth the truth? Would such revelations reinforce or challenge our understanding of history? When five close friends discover a magical treehouse during a game of hide-and-seek, they soon realize that its enchanting powers extend beyond invisibility—it can transport them through time. Calling themselves the Tree House Club, Ashley, Emma, Keith, Aaron, and Harry embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover that history may not have unfolded as they were taught.
In Find Me in Time: Meeting Columbus, the first installment in L.T. Caton’s Find Me in Time series, the young protagonists travel back to 1492 and arrive at the island of Guanahani, now part of The Bahamas, just in time to witness Columbus’s arrival in the New World. However, they quickly learn that the historical narrative of a heroic discovery belies the brutal reality: a violent massacre of the indigenous Taíno people, driven by the Spaniards’ avaricious motives. Upon returning to the present, the group vows to share the truth about these tragic events.
Caton’s engaging work of historical fiction, aimed primarily at children and young readers, offers a concise and enlightening history lesson accessible to all. This compelling book provides an informative and eye-opening account of natural history, presented in a manner that is neither tedious nor traumatizing. The story is skillfully crafted, with a well-paced plot that smoothly transitions from one event to another. While the characters may not be intricate, their warm, genuine friendship dynamic underscores children’s inclusivity and open-mindedness when unencumbered by adult biases.
One of the most notable aspects of this book is the author’s ability to portray even harrowing historical events in a delicate yet honest manner. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Caton’s ingenious historical retelling and smooth storyline contain appealing visuals and, most importantly, its critique of the biased way history has often been recorded. It is recommended for young readers and adults, particularly those seeking to gain insight from the perspective of the conquered rather than the conquerors.
As the adage goes, history is written by the victors. So, with eager anticipation for the next installment in the Find Me in Time series, readers will undoubtedly look forward to joining the Tree House Club on their next captivating adventure.
Pages: 57 | ASIN : B0BVVDLFBS
LITERARY TITAN 