Was Columbus a hero? A villain? Or just an explorer who accidentally bumped into America? Here are a few books that take a look at this question:

Encounter by Jane Yolen is a picture book for kids ages 8 and up. It's told from the viewpoint of a young Taino Indian whose tribe is the first to encounter Christopher Columbus. He tries to warn his people against welcoming the strangers but is ignored by the elders. He ends his tale saying: "May it be a warning to all the children and all the people in every land."

Columbus and the World Around Him by award-winning author Milton Meltzer is written for kids who have already studied Columbus in school. Meltzer starts off with what was going on in the world during Columbus's journeys and ends after his death. This is a good resource book for a report on Columbus.

Vicki Liestman explores what Columbus Day means as a holiday. The first part of the book tells the story of the voyage of Columbus. The second part describes how Columbus Day became a holiday and the ways people celebrate it. You may find this book to be good for report writing, especially if you're working on a holiday report.