For children captivated by real-life adventurers and distant lands, this book introduces the incredible journeys of Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century explorer.
A parent might reach for this book when their curious child is captivated by real-life adventure and asks big questions about the world beyond their own. This biography chronicles the incredible true story of Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan scholar who, over 30 years, traveled more than 75,000 miles through Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It's a tale packed with resilience and wonder, showing how curiosity can lead to a lifetime of discovery. For ages 9-12, this book is an excellent choice to introduce world history from a non-European perspective, modeling perseverance and the courage it takes to explore the unknown.
Reflects historical norms of the 14th century (slavery, status of women). Written in 1975.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with historical realities like plagues, bandits, and political intrigue, which sometimes result in death. These events are described factually and are not graphic. The protagonist's life and travels are deeply rooted in his Islamic faith; his identity as a Muslim scholar grants him access and status across the Islamic world. The book also mentions historical practices like slavery and the existence of harems in a non-judgmental, historical context. The resolution is one of a life fully lived, as he finally returns home to dictate his incredible story.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10- to 12-year-old who is a fan of history, geography, and true adventure stories. They are likely a voracious non-fiction reader who enjoys learning about different cultures and is ready for a more complex historical narrative with a non-European protagonist. This book is perfect for a child who pores over maps and wonders what the world was like long ago.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to provide historical context. Having a map handy to trace his journey is highly recommended. The book was published in 1975, and while the history is sound, some of the language might feel slightly dated. A conversation about 14th-century cultural norms, such as slavery or the roles of women, could be beneficial to help a child understand the historical context without condoning the practices. A parent likely seeks this book when their child expresses a fascination with explorers beyond the standard school curriculum (like Columbus or Magellan) or asks, "Who was the greatest traveler of all time?" It's also a great response to a child's growing interest in world history and different cultures, especially from the Islamic world.
Age Experience
A 9-year-old will primarily connect with the action and adventure: the shipwrecks, the strange new lands, the dangerous encounters. An older reader, around 12, will better appreciate the historical significance, the cultural and religious context of his travels, and the sheer intellectual and physical fortitude required for such a journey in the pre-modern era.
What Makes It Special
This book's key differentiator is its focus on a major historical figure from the Islamic world, offering a vital non-Eurocentric perspective on global exploration and connectivity in the Middle Ages. While many children learn about Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta's story reveals the vastness, richness, and intellectual vibrancy of the 14th-century Islamic world, which was a true center of civilization.
Read plot summary
This biographical account follows the life of 14th-century Moroccan scholar and traveler, Ibn Battuta. Setting out from Tangier on a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, his journey extends for nearly three decades, covering approximately 75,000 miles. The narrative details his travels through North Africa, the Middle East, Persia, India, China, and parts of West Africa. He serves as a judge (qadi), gets married multiple times, advises sultans, survives shipwrecks, evades bandits, and meticulously documents the diverse cultures, customs, and geographies he encounters.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ibn Battuta left home at 21 and didn't return for nearly 30 years. What personal strengths do you think he needed to complete such a long journey away from home?
2
His status as a Muslim legal scholar gave him work and protection in many countries. What skills or knowledge do you think would be most useful for a world traveler today?
3
The book calls him 'The Arab Marco Polo.' Based on his story, do you think this is a fair comparison? In what ways were their journeys and experiences different?
4
Of all the dangers Ibn Battuta faced (robbers, shipwrecks, political plots, illness), which one would have been the scariest for you, and why?
