From the award-winning author of "Stealing Freedom." When 12-year-old Samuel Collier boards a ship bound for the New World, he can't believe his good fortune. Collier learns he can be whomever he wants in the New World settlement of Jamestown.
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From the award-winning author of "Stealing Freedom." When 12-year-old Samuel Collier boards a ship bound for the New World, he can't believe his good fortune. Collier learns he can be whomever he wants in the New World settlement of Jamestown.
Read Less
This historical novel for young readers (4th grade through 8th grade) depicts the founding of Jamestown from the point of view of an angry twelve-year-old orphan who has become John Smith's servant. We see the events of the ill-fated colony and its interactions with the neighboring Indian tribe from his outsider's view. The character of Pocahontas is historically accurate -- a lively ten-year-old child -- rather than the romantic Disney version. Besides enhancing an understanding of early American history, watching the growth of this young loner as he comes to realize his need for others makes an engaging story. The author begins each chapter with a quotation from a primary source of the time, including John Smith's writings, and provides a sort of bibliography of primary source information. She also has teacher materials available online for use in classes. Whether you are using this to teach history or just want an enjoyable read, Blood on the River is a terrific book.