Our latest issue of Honest History Magazine is out! In Issue 31 | Beneath the Canopy, kids can take a journey through the Amazon Rainforest or explore the dramatic landscape of Patagonia. With each turn of the page, they’ll uncover the true stories of South America’s conservationists, explorers, and Indigenous Peoples. As always, we’re sharing some additional materials to help kids and parents dive deeper. Use the resources below to learn more about the history and people of the Amazon and Patagonia.
Researchers and Aspiring Academics
Here are some helpful texts to get you started on your research journey.
“Three Thousand Miles Up the Amazon” by Ynés Mexía: Did you enjoy learning about the botanist, Ynés Mexía, in Issue 31? In the 1930s, she made a historic trip up the Amazon River, collecting hundreds of plant specimens. You can read her account of the journey here. It is an essential primary source to learn more about Mexía’s prolific career.
Briefing Document: Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR): South America is home to thousands of Indigenous Peoples Living in Voluntary Isolation. For researchers, students, or advocates, this document is essential for understanding the Indigenous Peoples’ choice to remain isolated and the threats to their way of life.
Amazon Rainforest. Photo by THLT LCX on Unsplash
The Ecology of Power: Culture, Place, and Personhood in the Southern Amazon, A.D. 1000-2000 by Michael Heckenberger: Want to learn more about early Amazonian civilizations? This text dispels the myth that the Amazon Rainforest remained untouched before the arrival of Europeans. Instead, the author, Michael Heckenberger, reveals that the Amazon was home to a densely populated civilization, with towns and villages connected by a massive network of roads.
The Conquest of the Desert: Argentina's Indigenous Peoples and the Battle for History edited by Carolyne R. Larson: In the 19th century, the Argentine government launched its campaign to conquer and develop Patagonia. This collection of essays reassesses the state’s role, shedding light on the conquest's impact while honoring the enduring resilience of Patagonia’s Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous rock art at Cueva de las Manos in Patagonia. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
Parents and Educators
Use these free resources to develop an engaging curriculum for your classroom.
National Geographic: A tried-and-true resource for the classroom, National Geographic is a great place to start as you build your curriculum. Use its interactive Amazon map to explore the geography of the rainforest, or embark on a virtual field trip to watch first-hand interviews with researchers on the ground.
Explore the Rainforest with the Smithsonian National Zoo: This virtual school program is part of the National Zoo’s Conservation Classroom. The zoo provides monthly lessons for K-5, and this month is all about the rainforest! Join the virtual school to watch live sessions or catch up on what you’ve missed with their recordings.
The Amazon River. Photo by Ivars Utināns on Unsplash
Young Historians
Dive into the geography and history of South America with these engaging children’s books.
Ghost Hands by T.A. Barron and illustrated by William Low: When the author, T. A. Barron, visited the Cave of Hands in Patagonia, he began to imagine the lives of the people who created the beautiful rock art. Inspired by his trip, he created the story of Auki, a young boy who dreams of becoming a hunter. This imagined history is beautifully illustrated and takes young readers on a journey of courage and transformation.
Where is the Amazon? by Sarah Fabiny and illustrated by Daniel Colón: Curious about the Amazon but don’t know where to start? This engaging middle-grade guide is packed with facts, introducing young readers to the geography, wildlife, people, and history of the world's most famous rainforest.
Zonia's Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal: In this picture book, kids discover the rainforest through the eyes of Zonia, a young Asháninka girl. Zonia spends her days exploring the lush plants and wildlife of her Peruvian home—until she stumbles upon a patch of forest cleared by loggers. Now, she must find the courage to speak up and protect the land she loves.
Amazon River by Sangma Francis and illustrated by Rômolo D'Hipólito: Take a journey on the Amazon River with this vibrant picture book. On each page, kids can discover the fascinating wildlife, rich history, and famous legends of the mighty river. It’s a must-read for curious minds looking to understand the Amazon’s incredible ecosystem.
If you want to learn more about the Amazon and Patagonia, we hope you’ll check out our kids' magazine, Issue 31 | Beneath the Canopy. Stay tuned as we continue to share research tips and resources for future issues!