Rather than linking to the old site, putting the text of my review of Squanto’s Journey here. Originally posted in November 2006. Still a good book. Part of my book round-up post coming in a few minutes.
****
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving
by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Greg Shed
Harcourt “Silver Whistle”, 2000.
ISBN 0-15-201817-4
In anticipation of Thanksgiving, I picked up a handful of children’s books from the local library. This is a good one.
The book tells the story of Squanto’s life from 1614 to 1621. Each major element of the story is told on one page, with an accompanying painted illustration. The perspective is firmly Native American, but in a positive way that is respectful of non-Indians. Because the story ends at the time of the famous first Thanksgiving, it is up to the parents to fill in the ensuing history.
In its precision and thoroughness, the book includes Indian names that may be unfamiliar to those learning this history in detail for the first time. There is a glossary in the back, but unfortunately it does not include a pronunciation guide. So if you are reading aloud, be prepared to have to do some sounding-out as you go. Also, because of the detailed nature of the account, it will be helpfu to summarize what is happening as you go along, to keep track of the story, especially for younger listeners. As a result, though, this book would be quite helpful to an older student (junior high through college aged) that wanted an approachable summary of these events. The Author’s Note at the end of the book gives some interesting background on how the story was researched.
In all, just a lovely book. It would make a nice jumping-off point for students all of ages to study this part of American history.