Famous for his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth, Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon is credited with the discovery of Florida in 1513. This sensitively written new book describes his encounters with the native inhabitants of Florida and Puerto Rico. Young readers will enjoy learning about life at sea and the hardships faced by his crew also included. Other topics include- Ponce de Leon's life, from a page, to a squire, to Governor of a plantation- his motivation for seeking to settle the "New World"- his discoveries of Florida and The Tortugas- his plantation Cassava, and its role in future trade routes- aid from the Taino Indians in farming, and the repulsion by the Calusa Natives from the Florida coast- a recipe for Cassava bread- colorful maps and images showing the areas explored- sections on the age of exploration- the political climates of various countries that made explorers venture out into the unknown- real recipes for foods the explorers ate on their travels- how explorers lived while on the high seas, on the trail, or in the encampment