Plymouth

Children's Literature - Della A. Yannuzzi

Author McNeese's book about the settlement of Plymouth on the western end of Cape Cod Bay is filled with interesting facts, sidebars, and history. In 1620 one hundred and two English citizens departed from Plymouth, England, on the Mayflower for a better life in America. The settlers had not intended to settle in Plymouth but they had veered off course and found themselves on the shores of Cape Cod. Life in Plymouth was difficult. It was a cold November and shelter had to be built. While the women and children stayed on the ship, the men cut down trees, shaped them into logs, and then carried them back where they were used to build a large meeting house. Then work began on small sheds and log cabins. Disease and lack of food were constant struggles. During the first winter in Plymouth half of the pilgrims died. The settlers persevered, but the first years were very difficult. By the year 1627 they had been in New England seven years. They grew corn and grain and traded with the Native Americans for furs. Their town was beginning to grow and prosper; however, other larger settlement sites were being established and gradually the Plymouth settlers began to leave for better situated settlements. By 1644 most of the settlers had left Plymouth. Some people remained, including Governor Bradford. Eventually, Plymouth was absorbed into the Massachusetts Bay Colony, but the sacrifices and achievements made by those first pilgrims to set up a new town have not been forgotten. Black-and-white and color illustrations are included as well as a chronology, time line, notes, bibliography, further reading, and websites. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi