10 Routes That Crossed the World (10 That...)
10 That... Series
What’s inside...
Written for middle-grade readers, 10 Routes That Crossed the World explores famous roads, trails, and pathways across the globe that have played a significant role in human history. Chapter subjects include the first crossing of humans into North America across the Bering Strait; the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries; how the Inca Trail in Peru helped both build an empire and facilitate its destruction; the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan; the building of the Trans-Siberian Railroad under extreme conditions; the short but treacherous Chilkoot Trail, which led hopeful gold prospectors to riches; and the Serengeti migration trail, traveled by millions of animals and Maasai people for generations. Dramatic fictionalized stories with accompanying artwork open each chapter, and colorful pages include a variety of archival and modern photos.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
164 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated explorers to travel these routes?
How do you think these routes changed the world?
Which route would you want to explore and why?
How do different routes show different aspects of human history and culture?
What challenges do you think travelers faced on these journeys?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare the different routes and their impacts on the world, fostering critical thinking.
Use a world map to trace the routes mentioned in the book, making the discussion more interactive and visually stimulating.
Ask your child to imagine being an explorer on one of the routes, which can help them connect personally with the historical content.
Discuss the relevance of these ancient routes in today’s world to help bridge historical events with current global dynamics.
Connect the explorations with your child's experiences by discussing family trips and what they learned or noticed on those journeys.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases how historic routes were forged and used by explorers, traders, and even animals. This illustrates the importance of perseverance and innovation in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by developing persistence in solving daily challenges whether in their academic tasks or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: By exploring routes that connected different parts of the world like the Silk Road, the book encourages recognition and respect for diverse cultures and the ways they have shaped human history.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace cultural diversity in their community, showing respect and curiosity about different traditions and histories encountered in school and their neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Environmental impact of human activities
Explanation: The book discusses routes like the Trans-Amazonian Highway and their effects on the environment, stressing the relationship between human actions and nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of environmental conservation and can be encouraged to participate in local green initiatives such as recycling programs or community gardens.
Example Lesson: Importance of collaboration
Explanation: Stories of the Underground Railroad and others in the book highlight how collaborative efforts can lead to significant historical achievements and social change.
Real-World Application: By understanding the power of working together, children can be motivated to contribute positively in team settings such as group projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The book covers numerous historical events linked to various routes, providing insights into the cause and effect nature of historical decisions and their long-term impacts.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of historical knowledge in making informed decisions and the potential consequences of those choices in their lives.