Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving

Bruchac, Joseph

ISBN 10: 1634197437 ISBN 13: 9781634197434

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 2007

Synopsis

In 1620 an English ship called the "Mayflower "landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together--a tradition that continues almostfour hundred years later.
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About this title

Review:

Most American children know the story of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, but the Native American side of the tale is far less familiar. Joseph Bruchac, a prolific and award-winning author of Native American descent (The First Strawberries, A Boy Called Slow) describes life in 1620 for a man who was destined to save the Pilgrims even as he was losing his family and tribe. Told from Squanto's point of view, this historically accurate and detailed story brings to life one of the most important moments in America's past. Demonstrating how much his people (the Patuxet, the People of the Falls) value honor, Squanto befriends English traders, even after being kidnapped and taken to Spain. After much hard work, Squanto manages to sail back to his homeland, where, in spite of his discovery that many of his people have died from disease brought by white people, he acts as envoy between the English and his own people, and helps the pilgrims survive in their new world.

Throughout this moving tale, Squanto's belief that "these men can share our land as friends" poignantly shines through. Greg Shed's gouache illustrations capture the warmth and dignity of Squanto and his friends. Young readers will be fascinated by this lesser-known perspective on the Thanksgiving tradition that remains strong today. (Ages 6 to 10) --Emilie Coulter

About the Author:

Joseph Bruchac is a preeminent Native American writer. Author, poet, storyteller, and publisher, he has received many literary honors, including the American Book Award and the PEN Syndicated Fiction Award. Of Abenaki and Slovak heritage, he lives in Greenfield Center, New York.

Greg Shed has illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including The Language of Doves. He lives in San Diego, California.

About this edition

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1634197437
• ISBN 13: 9781634197434
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Shed Greg