Squanto's Journey
| Enlightenment |
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 Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving
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American History > Enlightenment > Indigenous American History
In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket people, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive in the rugged land they called Plymouth. He showed them how to plant corn, beans, and squash, and how to hunt and fish. And when a good harvest was gathered in the fall, the two peoples feasted together in the spirit of peace and brotherhood. Almost four hundred years later, the tradition continues. . . .
Emily's Review
This is probably my favorite "Thanksgiving" picture book. I'm a fan of Joseph Bruchac's writing in general, but this picture book is fantastic. In this story we get to see the real Tisquantum, or Squanto, and hear his story from his perspective. What I love about this book is that while it's a picture book and geared toward a younger audience, Bruchac doesn't hold back or sugar-coat Tisquantum's story. It's so rare to find a book about this time period told from the perspective of an Indigenous person, and Bruchac does so with such beautiful prose.
I think this book is a great read for a range of ages - the pictures are gorgeous and add so much to the story, but the writing is denser than your average picture book, so it has a wide appeal. Squanto's story is both tragic and inspiring, and I hope you will include it in your Thanksgiving reading this year.
Other Similar Books
Other suggestions on the subject of Thanksgiving
- Squanto's Journey (by: Bruchac, Joseph, Indigenous Americans, Thanksgiving, Colonial America)
- 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving (by: O'Neill Grace, Catherine, Bruchac, Margaret M., Thanksgiving, Colonial America)