Illustration from Lane Smith's John, Paul, George & Ben ©2006 bt Lane Smith. Used by Permission of Disney•Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Why did the first Europeans settle in the New World? What challenges did they face? How did the presence of the Native Americans shape their experience? What was their daily life like and what prompted the discontent that led to our War for Independence? The following titles, many of which were published in the past five years, answer these questions and more.

While historical fiction by Jean Fritz as well as titles like Robert Lawson’s Ben and Me (1939) or Mr. Revere and I (1954) and Esther Forbes’s Johnny Tremain (1943) are widely known classics that bring this period to life, recent years have yielded a wealth of new offerings—many of which are accessible picture books or read-alouds.

These offerings are divided into seven categories. “How It All Began” addresses what brought European explorers and settlers to our shores, while “Jamestown: A Success Story?” focuses on the founding and treacherous beginnings of the Jamestown colony. “Plymouth, the Pilgrims, and the First Thanksgiving” speaks for itself; the fourth and largest grouping, “How They Lived,” addresses daily life in general. “Projects Galore” includes activity books that can be used in or out of the classroom. The events and sentiments leading up to the Revolution are described in “Something’s Brewing…and It’s Not Tea!” Lastly, “What They Left Behind” reveals archaeological findings from the period and what they tell us.

In addition, technology has made myriad primary-source documents, diaries, letters, and images accessible to all. The highlighted websites engage and enlighten elementary and middle school students with firsthand accounts, brief reenactment videos, games, and activities.

How It All Began

BURGAN, Michael. New York, 1609-1776. (Voices from Colonial America Series). National Geographic. 2006. Tr $21.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-6390-6; PLB $32.90. ISBN 978-0-7922-6860-4.

Gr 4-8—This handsome book details the early exploration and settlement of New York and its political/economic history, including the various European nations’ struggles to claim it as well as the African slave trade. “Then, as now, New York was a mixing bowl of people with different ethnic backgrounds…languages and…religions.”

FISHKIN, Rebecca Love. English Colonies in America. (We the People Series). Compass Point. 2008. PLB $26.60. ISBN 978-0-7565-3838-5.

Gr 3-8—From John Cabot’s journey to the New World in 1497 to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this general overview traces the formation of the 13 colonies. Archival illustrations add color to a textbook account.

PETERSON, Cris. Birchbark Brigade: A Fur Trade History. Calkins Creek. 2009. RTE $18.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-426-6.

Gr 5 Up—Beginning with the European explorers’ search for riches in the New World, this detailed account spans more than three centuries. Known as “soft gold,” beaver pelts were the hottest commodity, prompting alliance as well as conflict with the Indians. Black-and-white photos and reproductions, sidebars, and historical quotes add to the well-researched narrative.

Jamestown: A Success Story?

CARBONE, Elisa. Blood on the River: Jamestown 1607. Viking. 2006. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06060-3.

Gr 4-8—An orphan boy indentured to Captain John Smith narrates this fictional account of the tumultuous history of the first permanent English settlement. Samuel relays the difficult ocean voyage, poor judgment and ill-preparedness of the colonists, internal power struggles, and relations with the Natives in this exciting adventure story.

FRITZ, Jean. Who’s Saying What in Jamestown, Thomas Savage? illus. by Sally Wern Comport. Puffin. 2007. RTE $18.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24644-9.

Gr 3-5—This fictional narrative re-creates the life of Thomas Savage, a 13-year-old cabin boy on an English boat bound for Jamestown in 1607. Initially sold to Chief Powhatan, Savage spent many years as an interpreter between the two clashing cultures in the New World. Full-color illustrations of varying size make his story accessible to younger readers.

KRULL, Kathleen. Pocahontas: Princess of the New World. illus. by David Diaz. Walker. 2007. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8027-9554-0; RTE $17.85. ISBN 978-0-8027-9555-7.

Gr 2-5—Bold, striking illustrations and a creative design distinguish this read-aloud biography. While all that is known of Pocahontas stems from English sources, this title explores her possible lifestyle, sensibility, and motivation.

LANGE, Karen E. 1607: A New Look at Jamestown. photos by Ira Block. National Geographic. 2007. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0012-7; PLB $27.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0013-4.

Gr 4-8—Primary sources, new archaeological findings, and full-page photographs of reenactors from the Jamestown Settlement living-history museum bring the hardships, realities, and mistakes of the settlers to life. This handsome revisionist work recognizes Jamestown as the place where the seeds of our democracy were sown.

Plymouth, the Pilgrims, and the First Thanksgiving

HARNESS, Cheryl. The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish and the Amazing-But-True Survival Story of Plymouth Colony. National Geographic. 2006. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-5918-3; PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-0-7922-5919-0.

Gr 5-8—While highlighting one notable “pioneer/explorer/builder/nurse/farmer/grave digger/merchant/lawman/husband and dad,” this lively narrative provides a comprehensive history of the Pilgrims from the Reformation to the first Thanksgiving and beyond. An illustrated time line chronicles political and cultural events happening around the world between 1584 and 1660.

LASKY, Kathryn. Two Bad Pilgrims. illus. by John Manders. Viking. 2009. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-670-06168-6.

Gr 1-5—Serve up a comical treat on Thanksgiving with this humorous picture book based on fact about Johnny and Francis Billington, two cutups who almost blew up the Mayflower. Part of “one of the profanest families to come to the colony,” according to William Bradford, the brothers and their mischief shed light on life in Plimoth.

STANLEY, Diane. Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation. (The Time-Traveling Twins Series). illus. by Holly Berry. HarperCollins/Joanna Cotler Bks. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-06-027069-8; PLB $16.89. ISBN 978-0-06-027076-6.

Gr 2-5—With the help of Grandma’s magic hat, Liz and Lenny travel back in time to visit their ancestors who sailed to Plymouth on the Mayflower. They help with the chores, learn about colonial life, and partake of a Thanksgiving feast. Colorful illustrations and speech bubbles make this story a good choice for reluctant readers.

How They Lived

ATKINS, Jeannine. Anne Hutchinson’s Way. illus. by Michael Dooling. Farrar. 2007. Tr $17. ISBN 978-0-374-30365-5.

Gr 2-5—Fictionalized text and historically accurate oil paintings capture an incident in the life of this midwife and religious leader in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Disapproving of the Puritans’ harsh, unforgiving ways, Hutchinson chose to teach Scripture from her home, eventually becoming a persecuted outcast in her community.

CHORAO, Kay. D Is for Drums: A Colonial Williamsburg ABC. Abrams. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8109-4927-0.

Gr 1-4—Inspired by 18th-century “Posture Master” alphabet cards, this deceptively simple book uses illustrations to engage readers in a historical treasure hunt. From the familiar—aprons, baskets, cradle, and fireplace—to the less so—apothecary, cooper, Necessary, and stocks—this oversize book provides a fanciful glimpse into the period.

DAVIES, Jacqueline. Tricking the Tallyman: The Great Census Shenanigans of 1790. illus. by S.D. Schindler. Knopf. 2009. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-375-83909-2; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-93909-9.

Gr 2-5—“Begone, Tallyman….For we are a town that won’t be counted.” So begins this amusing story of Phineas Bump; his horse, Blue; and the first census. Fearing taxes and conscription, the townspeople of Tunbridge, VT, all but disappear for the count—until they learn that it will determine representation in the new government. Readers will delight in the detailed, often hilarious illustrations.

DAY, Nancy. Your Travel Guide to Colonial America. (Passport to History Series). Lerner, 2001. PLB $20.60. ISBN 978-0-8225-3079-4.

Gr 4-8—Using cornhusks for toilet paper? Sharing a hotel bed with five other people? Waiting a year for a new winter coat from London? Advice about which cities to visit and when (“…steer clear of the village of Salem…in 1692”), how to get around, and money is both factual and amusing. Drawings, cartoons, and maps augment the text.

HARNESS, Cheryl. Our Colonial Year. illus. by author. S & S. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-689-83479-0.

Gr 1-5—Each spread illustrates a different aspect of life in one of the 13 colonies during the year. In October, “Harvesters gather in the gardens, orchards, vineyards, fields of grain. It’s time to pick, press, dry, and pickle, when the leaves turn red and gold.” The folksy watercolors depict period costume and practice, enhancing the succinct text.

JONES, Elizabeth McDavid. Lady Margaret’s Ghost: A Felicity Mystery. (American Girl Mysteries Series). American Girl Publishing. 2009. Tr $10.95. ISBN 978-1-59369-473-9.

Gr 3-5—Foul play at the races, missing keys, and stolen heirlooms…could it be the work of a ghost? Set in Williamsburg during Publick Times when visitors swarmed to town for the high court and news of the latest clothing, amusements, and ideas from Europe, this story reveals the common fate of colonial orphans.

KALMAN, Bobbie. A Visual Dictionary of a Colonial Community. illus. by Barbara Bedell. Crabtree. 2008. PLB $26.60. ISBN 978-0-7787-3502-1; pap. $8.95. ISBN 978-0-7787-3522-9.

Gr 2-5—Each spread, filled with captioned, colorful illustrations, depicts a different aspect of colonial life. In addition to the family living quarters, homes included structures such as a well house, dairy, smokehouse, cellar, and chicken coop. Pictures speak volumes about colonial craftsmen, travel, and costume and include amusing bits of trivia.

MILLER, Brandon Marie. Growing Up in a New World: 1607-1775. Lerner. 2003. PLB $26.20. ISBN 978-0-8225-0658-4.

Gr 4-8—Full-color reproductions and original quotes reveal the daily life of colonial youth from stays and diapers to standing stools, dame schools, apprenticeships, and posting the banns. Readers will be surprised to learn that formal schooling often ended at age 10, many children died before age 9, and children had no store-bought toys.

MORLEY, Jacqueline. You Wouldn’t Want to Be an American Colonist! A Settlement You’d Rather Not Start. illus. by David Antram. (You Wouldn’t Want to Series). Scholastic. 2004. PLB $20.80. ISBN 978-1-4176-2806-3.

Gr 2-5—Cartoons, speech bubbles, and cannibalism—what more could a kid want? So long as he doesn’t have to live through it! From the lost colony of Roanoke to the thriving Jamestown of the 1620s, this accessible book reveals the trials and tribulations of the earliest colonists, from troubles with the Algonquians to lack of food, skilled labor, gold, and women.

NARDO, Don. Daily Life in Colonial America. (Lucent Library of Historical Eras Series). Lucent. 2010. RTE $32.45. ISBN 978-1-4205-0264-0.

Gr 5 Up—Each chapter addresses a different aspect of life, including hearth and home, women and courtship, children and education, occupations, law, health, and leisure. Detailed, straightforward text and well-captioned archival reproductions offer an in-depth look at the period.

RAUM, Elizabeth. The Dreadful, Smelly Colonies: The Disgusting Details About Life in Colonial America. Capstone. 2010. PLB $23.99. ISBN 978-1-4296-3959-0.

Gr 3-8—Children get a taste of what it’s like to eat rats for dinner, share a bed with strangers, or drink medicine made from boiled toads. While this overview focuses on the hardships of colonial life, its emphasis on the gross factor, and a lively layout featuring colorful photos and reproductions should appeal to many kids.

STAIB, Walter & Jennifer Fox. A Feast of Freedom: Tasty Tidbits from the City Tavern. illus. by Fernando Juarez. Running Press Kids. 2010. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-0-7624-3598-2.

Gr 3-8—This picture-book history of Philadelphia’s City Tavern provides a glimpse into public recreation, trade, and politics of the time. The building hosted dinners, balls, and lodgers and also served as a coffeehouse, reading room, and meeting place for the Founding Fathers, merchants, and local gossips. Handsome full-page illustrations and a jaunty colonial mouse animate the text.

STEER, Deirdre Clancy & Amela Baksic. Colonial America. (Costume and Fashion Source Books). Chelsea House. 2009. Tr $35. ISBN 978-1-60413-380-6.

Gr 5 Up—An in-depth look at the changing wardrobes of the early settlers, including pilgrims, servants, slaves, fashionable gentlemen and ladies, children, and soldiers. Filled with full-color reproductions and primary-source quotes, this offering brings the practical realities of the time to life and offers tips for creating costumes for plays and reenactments.

THOMAS, Peggy. Farmer George Plants a Nation. illus. by Layne Johnson. Calkins Creek. 2008. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-460-0.

Gr 3-8—Filled with vibrant, realistic oil paintings, quotes from the diary of the “founding farmer,” and surprising details of Washington’s innovative farming techniques, this title reveals much about life on a colonial farm, sentiments toward England, and the man’s humanity and leadership both on and off the battlefield.

Projects Galore

BORDESSA, Kris. Great Colonial America Projects You Can Build Yourself. Nomad Press. 2006. pap. $14.95. ISBN 978-0-9771294-0-9.

Gr 4-8—Make wampum with colored, heated styrofoam; design a trade sign; create a cipher wheel to send secret messages; build a miniature wattle-and-daub house; or paint a silhouette. Beginning with a detailed time line, readers learn about home, farm, and town life, with chapters on Native Americans, communication, kids, and more.

BROIDA, Marian. Projects About Colonial Life. (Hands-On History Series). Marshall Cavendish. 2004. PLB $31.36. ISBN 978-0-7614-1603-6.

Gr 3-8—Each project is contextualized with a historical scenario involving children, often illustrated with full-color archival reproductions and well-selected quotes. For example, etiquette dictates, “Spit not in the Room, but in a corner, and rub it out with thy Foot.” Relatively ambitious projects include making a fishnet, windmill, quill pen, and shrewsbury cakes.

FISHER, Verna. Explore Colonial America! 25 Great Projects, Activities, Experiments. illus. by Bryan Stone. (Explore Your World Series). Nomad Press. 2009. pap. $12.95. ISBN 978-1-934670-37-8.

Gr 2-5—Informational text about colonial homes, food, clothing, schools, games, conflicts, heroes, and relations with Native Americans is sprinkled with fun facts and lively illustrations. Projects include building edible pretzel log cabins and making marbles, corn-husk dolls, Johnnycakes, butter, corn-stick muffins, and rock candy.

MILLER, Brandon Marie. Benjamin Franklin, American Genius: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities. Chicago Review Press. 2009. pap. $16.95. ISBN 978-1-55652-757-9.

Gr 4-8—Filled with archival images, amusing quotes and anecdotes, and activities such as making hasty pudding, soap, and candles, or experimenting with electricity, this well-researched biography captures Franklin’s character, social conscience, and creativity. It also traces his evolution from loyalist to patriot and Founding Father.

Something’s Brewing…and It’s Not Tea!

ADLER, David A. & Michael S. Adler. A Picture Book of John and Abigail Adams. illus. by Ronald Himler. Holiday House. 2010. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2007-0.

Gr 2-5—This is less a biography than a history of a courtship and marriage, sprinkled with quotes. The couple’s intelligence, integrity, diligence, and loyalty to their country and one another are juxtaposed against events leading up to war and its aftermath. Impressionistic watercolors convey the characters and costumes of the period.

DECKER, Timothy. For Liberty: The Story of the Boston Massacre. Calkins Creek. 2009. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59078-608-6.

Gr 5-8—“By March 5, 1770, it was dangerous to be a soldier in Boston.” Spare, yet sophisticated text paired with black-and-white scratchboard illustrations reminiscent of graphic fiction, convey the tension and recklessness of this momentous conflict and its aftermath. This account creates a sense of immediacy with its detail and powerful language.

SCHANZER, Rosalyn. George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides. National Geographic. 2004. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7922-7349-3; PLB $25.90. ISBN 978-0-7922-6999-1.

Gr 4-8—This is a scholarly, yet accessible portrayal of British and colonial thought before, during, and after the Revolution. Entertaining, thought-provoking quotes and historically accurate illustrations enrich this probing portrait—readers come away with a fairer, more accurate view of King George III and the Founding Father, who, “in many ways…were very much alike.”

SMITH, Lane. John, Paul, George & Ben. illus. by author. Hyperion. 2006. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-4893-5.

Gr 3-8—Comical portraits playfully imagine the Founding Fathers as elementary school lads: John Hancock touting his penmanship; Paul Revere, deafened from all that bell-ringing, shouting improprieties; George and that cherry tree; Ben and all that unsolicited advice; and independent Tom, who winds up in the corner. An afterword gives the facts that inspired this lighthearted romp. DVD and audio version available from Weston Woods.

WINTERS, Kay. Colonial Voices: Hear Them Speak. illus. by Larry Day. Dutton. 2008. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-525-47872-0.

Gr 4-8—Poems narrated by Ethan, errand boy and spy for the Sons of Liberty, frame those of a printer, baker, school mistress, shoemaker, tavern keeper, midwife, barber, clockmaker, and silversmith’s apprentice on the eve of the Boston Tea Party, revealing the myriad thoughts and concerns of the time. Detailed watercolor-and-ink illustrations inform and enrich the verse.

What They Left Behind

HUEY, Lois Miner. American Archaeology Uncovers the Dutch Colonies. Marshall Cavendish. 2010. PLB $21.95. ISBN 978-0-7614-4263-9.

Gr 3-8—By examining artifacts uncovered at a Dutch fort, town, farm, windmill, and shipwreck, scientists learn about the lives of servants, farmers, and soldiers in New Netherland. Unlike their English counterparts, the early Dutch settlers generally adapted well to their new environment; they also gave us donuts, ice skating, and Santa Claus. Colorful maps, photos, and sidebars are included.

WALKER, Sally M. Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland. Carolrhoda. 2009. PLB $22.95. ISBN 978-0-8225-7135-3.

Gr 5 Up—Forensic anthropologists study skeletons found in burial sites of 17th- and 18th-century settlers. Historical records enabled scientists to match the skeletons with actual identities, which include a ship’s captain, an indentured servant, and an enslaved African girl. Fascinating color photographs of the remains will appeal even to reluctant readers.

Barbara Auerbach, is the Librarian at P.S. 217, Brooklyn, New York

On the Web

Colonial House. www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse. Thirteen/WNET, Educational Broadcasting Corporation. (Accessed 9/23/2010).

Gr 3 Up—Based on the 2004 public television Hands-on-History series in which modern families lived like the colonists of 1628, this interactive site features audio clips, videos, and interviews. Students can meet the colonists, explore their houses, and read about the laws that governed them. Teachers can download lesson plans.

Colonial Williamsburg. colonialwilliamsburg.org. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. (Accessed 9/23/2010).

Gr 3 Up—This site offers illustrated essays about the people, places, life, and clothing of the time. The “Kids’ Zone” features games and activities.

Plimoth Plantation: Education Programs. plimoth.org/education. Plimoth Plantation. (Accessed 9/23/2010).

Gr 3-6—This interactive museum site allows students to investigate the first Thanksgiving in 1621 as well as the events that led up to it. A Pilgrim girl and Wampanoag boy share information about their families and lifestyles. Youngsters can create a museum exhibit and write exhibit labels after they’ve explored the site.

Media Picks

BY PHYLLIS LEVY MANDELL

Colonial America: From Jamestown to Freedom. DVD. 31 min. with tchr's. guide. Knowledge Unlimited. 2008. ISBN 1-55979-222-1. $59.95.
Gr 5 Up-This production covers colonial America from the first settlement at Jamestown through the Declaration of Independence. Among the topics discussed are the colonists' motivations for migration to the New World, the rapid population and economic growth of the colonies, relations with Native Americans, the development of slavery and racism, the evolution of religious tolerance, education, and government. The film also traces the development of the conflict that resulted in the American Revolution.

Colonial Life for Children (Series). 9 DVDs. 23 min. ea. with tchr's. guide. Library Video Co. 1998. $215.64 ser., $29.95 ea. Includes: Jamestown; Plimoth Plantation; St. Augustine; The Dutch & New Amsterdam; The French & Colonial Quebec; William Penn & Pennsylvania; The Spanish & Colonial Santa Fe; Roger Williams & Rhode Island; Settling the New World.
Gr 3-7-As each film opens, a young student in the present day is transported back to the colonial period to learn what life was like at that place and time. Filmed at the actual locations, costumed reenactors present a brief view of daily life. Among the topics covered are food, shelter, clothing, occupations, the colonists' relationship with the Native Americans, games and customs, government, and more.

Stories for Thanksgiving. Playaway®. 56 min. with tchr's. guide. Weston Woods. 2010. ISBN 978-1-616-37568-3. $44.95.
Gr 1-5-This collection includes the audio versions of three engaging tales for children: The Pilgrims of Plimoth (Atheneum, 1986) by Marcia Sewall, Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message (Lee & Low, 1995) by Chief Jake Swamp, and Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock? (Coward, McCann, 1975) by Jean Fritz.

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