The Pilgrims, by R. Conrad Stein. Corner Stones of Freedom series. Childrens Press, Chicago. c. 1995.BOOKS about PILGRIMS
Summary: Beginning with a brief description of the Separatist Movement it continues with the Pilgrims journey to Holland and on to New England. There is a Glossary and TimeLine.
Comment: This is an excellent book at a very reasonable price - $4.95. It is complete with numerous illustrations and classic paintings. The narrative is quite complete and historically accurate. You will not be disappointed to add this book to your collection.
Pilgrim Voices: Our First Year in the New World edited by Connie and Peter Roop. illustrated by Shelley Pritchett. Walker Publishing co. inc., c.1995.
The Pilgrims First Thanksgiving, by Ann McGovern with illustrations by Elroy Freem. Scholastic, c.1 973,1993.
Summary: Introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion - Thanksgiving.
Comment: Young children will enjoy hearing the story and looking at the pictures. First and second grade children will be able to read the story.
The Pilgrims of Plimoth, written and illustrated by Marcia Sewall. Atheneum, c.1 986.
Summary: the author chronicles, in text and illustrations, the day-to-day life of the early Pilgrims in the Plimoth Colony. She dedicated her book to the Pilgrim Village Interpreters, whose great spirit gives life to our Plimoth pilgrims.
Comment: To realistically portray the interaction of the people of the time, the author quotes from William Bradford 's Of Plymouth Plantation, Mourt 's Relation; and words used by the Pilgrim Village Interpreters. She begins her story by telling about the Pilgrims. She continues by telling about the menfolk , womenfolk children and youngfolk concluding with a summary of happenings at the Plantation and their plans to settle Duxbarow. She has included a Glossary that enables the readers to know what words used in the 17th century would mean today. (i.e. broach ... to put on a spit for cooking purposes - cow cumber pickles ... cucumber pickles - forced eggs ... scrambled eggs )
Squanto; the Pilgrim Adventure, by Kate Jassem. Illustrated by Robert Baxter. Troll Associates.
Summary: a story about the Indian lad, named Squanto, and his experiences who later taught the Pilgrims how to survive.
Comment: although not text-book accurate in all accounts, it describes the relationship the Pilgrims had with the Indians. Should be used in conjunction with the Video, Squanto.
The Story of The First Thanksgiving, by Elaine Raphael and Don Bolognese. Scholastic, c.1 991. Drawing America.
Summary: The story begins with the sailing of the Mayflower from England and continues through the Thanksgiving celebration.
Comment: The authors were able to provide their readers with authenticity with the assistance of the Plimoth Plantation staff. What is unique about this book is the second part - Drawing America. Instructions are given so that children can draw their own first Thanksgiving celebration. 4th and 5th graders would easily be able to follow the given directions.
Three Visitors to Early Plymouth, by John Pory, Emmanuel Altham, Isaack De Rasieres Rep Edition Paperback, 96 pages Published by Applewood Books Publication date: August 1, 1997
Summary: First published at Plimoth Plantation, Inc. 1963. John Pory of Virginia, Emmanuel Altharn from England and Isaack de Rasieres, a Dutchman from New Amsterdam, visited the Plymouth Plantation shortly after it was settled. They wrote letters about what they saw during their visits
Comment: Excellent primary reference.
Three Young Pilgrims, written and illustrated by Cheryl Harness. Bradbury pr., Macmillan pub. co., c.1992.
Summary: Mary, Remember and Bartholomew are among the pilgrims who survive the harsh early years in America and see New Plymouth grow into a prosperous colony.
Comment: The staff of Plimoth Plantation provided the author with assistance in writing this historical fiction story. She has gone to great effort to include all the families, and explains the difference between the Saints and Strangers . She has not forgotten the Indians and their friendship with the Pilgrims. An outstanding book. Adults will enjoy it as well as children of all ages will enjoy having this book in their personal library. Everyone can find his/her ancestor represented.
Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn; the Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols by Edna Barth. Illustrated by Ursula Arndt. Clarion bks, c.1 975.
Summary: Traces the history of this American harvest celebration and the development of its symbols and legends.
Comment: This is one of the better children s books in that describes the Pilgrim 's everyday life ... chapters describe three centuries of Thanksgiving, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrim fathers, mothers and children, their houses, their animals, the clothes they wore, their Indian neighbors; Food - Indian corn, pumpkins, Cranberry, etc. Myths about the Pilgrims vs. fact is discussed.
The Wampanoag, by Laurie Weinstein-Farson. Frank W. Porter III, General Ed. Chelsea House pub., 1989. Indians of North America series.
Summary: Examines the history, changing fortunes and current situation of the Wampanoag Indians
Comment: This is one of the best written books about the Wampanoag Indians who without their help the Pilgrims would not have survived. Early Indian life is explored using material gleaned from archaeologists and continues up to today. The authors discuss the changing relationship between tribal groups and the federal government and describe the Indian culture in its own context as it relates to the majority. The Wampanoag 's linguistic family is Algonquian. Their current population is between 1,500 and 2,000. This book is appropriate for junior and Senior high school students and as a reference and/or resource book for teachers of all grades.
The Wampanoags and The First Thanksgivingby the editors of Everyday Learning in cooperation with Plimoth Plantation. c. 1997.
Comment: This beautifully illustrated book is about 17th-century Wampanoag people in coastal New England. It accurately depicts Native life through the seasons. Includes an excellent glossary with pictures. Recommended for Grades: K-3.
The Wampanoags of Mashpee; an Indian perspective on American History, by Russell M. Peters. 1987, Indian Spiritual and Cultural Training Council.
Comment: The book is divided into sections: History, Maps, Poetry, Folklore; Religion; Mashpee Folk, and Politics. The Appendix includes: Tribes of New England, Indian Language Place Names and a Bibliography. Animal icons, which represent the family clans of the Wampanoag, are throughout the book.
Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock, by Jean Fritz. Illustrated by J. 0. Handelsman. Cowdard- McCann, Inc., NY c. 1975
Summary: Jean Fritz tells the story of Plymouth Rock--the granite boulder - telling how it came to be the impressive monument it is today. For years, Plymouth Rock sat on the beach without getting any attention. In 1741 the people of Plymouth decided it was an important landmark because the Pilgrims must have stepped on it when they arrived in the New World, and its adventures began. The rock was moved, dropped, broken, moved again, and cemented back together before finally being enclosed in an impressive monument, ensuring its place as a solid piece of American history!
Comment: The author has written a delightful story, sure to enchant children and adults alike. J. B. Handelsman 's distinctive, humorous illustrations adds to the enjoyment of the story.
VIDEO PROGRAMS - about PILGRIMS
THE ANIMAL PILGRIMS OF PLIMOTH. This is an episode of Jack Hanna 's Animal Adventures as seen on television. Jack visits Plimoth Plantation to learn about the animals that came with the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620 and those that came on later voyages and how they were essential to the Pilgrims survival. Running time 30 minutes.
Comment: There are announcements of other Jack Hanna productions that could be distracting to some students, however, a teacher has discretion as to what she wishes to present. Students are usually most interested in the farm animals living at the Plantation.
BRADFORDS 400 ANNIVERSARY, produced by the Bradford Society. It shows their 1989 visit to England in celebration of Bradford 's 400 Anniversary of his birth. Would perhaps be of interest to Bradford Descendants.
CHILDREN Of THE MAYFLOWER, produced by the Minnesota Mayflower Descendants. Available from Clarence Hammett, 85 Holly Lane, Plymouth, Minnesota, 55447. Price: $24.
Comment: Pre-school through elementary ages will enjoy this film. It is a delightful creation and the children enjoy watching the film.
THE MAKING OF A COLONY, tells the story of the beginnings of Plymouth Colony through eyewitness accounts and dramatic recreations of these primary sources and modern narration, viewers are invited to follow the English settlers, who later came to be called Pilgrims, through their journey from England and Holland to America; their difficult first winter; the treaty with the Native People and their first successful harvest. Suggested for ages 8 to 15. Approximate time 15 minutes. $14.95
THE MAYFLOWER PILGRIMS: THIS IS THEIR STORYproduced by PA Communications. Copyright 1995. Produced and directed by Peter Conner and Alan Mumby. - 43 minutes - ISBN#1- 56839-031-9 Order from Mayflower Families Library; P. 0. Box 3297; Plymouth, MA 02361 (508) 746-5058 - Tapes: $18.00 plus $1.50 shipping and handling. Three or more tapes $15.00 each plus $2.50 shipping and handling. (Following information from video jacket and The General Society of Mayflower Descendants.) "Towards the end of the 16th Century, in a quiet corner of England, well away from the mainstream of Elizabethan life, an apparently insignificant religious movement emerged. It was composed of a small band of largely anonymous people who believed in a simple form of worship, away from the ritualized trappings of the established Church of the day. These people were known as Separatists. No one then could possibly have guessed what a huge impact these faithful Christians would have on world history. But when, in 1620, after years of sacrifice and hardship, they arrived on the shores of the New World in a tiny ship, they carried in their hearts a set of beliefs which would form the bedrock values for the world's most powerful democracy... America, a nation engendered by the idea of freedom, and expression, of religious belief. History has given these remarkable people a name... the Mayflower Pilgrims"
THE MAYFLOWER 'S STORYproduced by Yesterday 's News. Cost: $15.00, which includes shipping and handling. Please make checks payable to GSMD, POB 3297, Plymouth, MA 02361.
Summary: The Mayflower 's Story is a brief, but comprehensive review of the Pilgrims journey from England to the New World. Combining artwork with video taken at historic sites, Jim and Laura Scott Lowell provide a concise look at the hardships and challenges that faced the Pilgrims. Both the content and length of the video make it particularly valuable for use in schools, as well as a gift for children and grandchildren. - from the Mayflower Quarterly.
.OPERATION MAYFLOWER: BUILDING THE MAYFLOWER If. Produced by Carborundum, Film Unit, Manchester, England. A few years ago the General Society of Mayflower Descendants was given a film taken during the construction of Mayflower If in England. It was copied to video tape and offered for purchase by interested members. It is an informative and interesting film and is well worth viewing. Approximately 15 minutes.
THE PILGRIMS OF PLIMOTH. From the book The Pilgrims of Plimoth, c.1986, by Marcia Sewall. Weston Woods. 27 minutes. Cost: $59.98. Available from Listening Library. (Toll Free - 800-243- 4504)
Summary: The Pilgrims of Plimoth describes the settlement of the pilgrims in America. The story begins with the pilgrims leaving England and setting sail for America. The hardships of the trip and the initial difficulties of life in America are described. As the story continues, we learn about the pilgrims first meeting with Native Americans, the daily activities of the pilgrims, and the need for basic laws, and rules necessary to govern the first settlement. The remainder outlines the division of labor among men, women and children. Finally, it is made clear that although the journey from England to America and the process of settling in a new country was extremely difficult, the pilgrims were convinced that the peace and freedom the new country offered them made it all worthwhile.
Comment: A viewing guide is included that may be photocopied for free distribution without restriction. This is most helpful to volunteers and teachers in showing the video. It is excellent.
PLIMOTH PLANTATION. The year 1627 lives forever at Plimoth Plantation. in this Plimoth Plantation video, you 11 learn first hand the stories of the men and women who settled in the New World. You 11 also visit the Wampanoags, whose help was essential to the colonists survival. A VideoTours, Inc. Production, c.1989. Approximately 30 min. Available from Plimoth Plantation.
PLIMOTH PLANTATION COLONIAL LIFE. Tracy and Greg, wondering what life for the Pilgrims was really like, blast back in time to Plimoth Plantation. Follow along as they visit with the Pilgrims and learn bout daily life. A Wampanoag woman also teaches the kids about the food, shelter and customs of the regions Native American people. Running time 23 minutes, includes teacher 's guide. Recommended for Grades: 3-7.
PLYMOUTH COLONY: FIRST YEAR, Revised. Coronet films. Evanston Public Schools, Evanston, IL. The film begins with the Separatists in England. Their sojourn to Holland and finally their decision to go to the New World. Their experiences of their first year at Plimoth is historically portrayed.
SQUANTO AND THE FIRST THANKSGIVING. Grahame Greene narrates this true story about a Native American sold into slavery in Spain. Years later he returns and teaches the Pilgrims how to survive the difficult first years at the Plymouth colony. Music by Paul McCandless; Paintings by Michael Donato; and Written by Eric Metaxas. Approximately 30 minutes. Ages 5 and up. Rabbit Ears Productions, inc., c.1993. Cost $9.98. Available from Listening Library. (Toll Free - 800-243-4504)