Squanto's Journey by Joseph Bruchac

Squanto's Journey

Author: Joseph Bruchac

Illustrator: Greg Shed

Publisher: Harcourt Inc.

Copyright 2000
Number of pages: 32
Genre: Historical Fiction

In Squanto's Journey by Joseph Bruchac, Squanto recalls the story of his childhood.  In 1614, Squanto was captured by the British and sold to the Spanish.  Throughout his life, he eventually moved to the New World and ultimately saved the new colonists.    

This book would ideally be used in an older elementary classroom.  I feel that it would be a little too complex for younger students to understand.  This book could easily be the source of some essential questions.  Students could discuss the adversity they think Squanto faced his entire life.  They could also use this book as a writing prompt.  Nobody ever talks about what happened to Squanto after helping the new colonists, so they could write about what they think may have happened.  My gifted students could create a timeline to show Squanto's life.   

The illustrations in this book are very fall-like.  They are drawn and are extremely detailed and life-like.  They help students visualize the story better.