Biography (nonfiction), 1,345 words, Level W (Grade 4), Lexile 1040L
One of the most daring and well-known sixteenth-century expeditions was led by the Portuguese sea captain Ferdinand Magellan. By sailing west from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean, the expedition became the first to successfully sail around the world. The Magellan Expedition introduces students to Ferdinand Magellan, this brave and ruthless explorer, and details the many hardships he and his crew endured throughout the voyage. The book can also be used to teach students how to identify cause-and-effect relationships and to ask and answer questions as they read.