Pennsylvania

Children's Literature

Pennsylvania derived its name from the Latin term for "Penn's Woods." William Penn was granted control of the colony that incorporated his name. Under the leadership of Penn this part of the New World became very tolerant. Pennsylvania welcomed people of differing beliefs and initially maintained cordial relations with Native American people. However, over time, warfare and expansion led to violence in Pennsylvania as in the rest of North America during the 17th and 18th centuries. In Pennsylvania, DeFord outlines the history during the tumultuous colonial days. DeFord focuses not only on political events but also captures colonial life. Topics such as schools, farm life, clothing, and domestic affairs all are presented engagingly. Pennsylvania, part of the series "Life in the Thirteen Colonies," is one of the more interesting books in that series. 2004, Children's Press, Ages 10 to 14.
—Greg M. Romaneck