Pocahontas

Children's Literature

The young Native American princess Matoaka is better known to children everywhere as Pocahontas. She is the daughter of a great and powerful Powhattan chief in the early 1600s. Her tribe is one of 25 Algonquin tribes all speaking the same language. It is her unlikely friendship with Captain John Smith, the leader of the newly founded English colony of Jamestown that sparks the imagination of all ages around the world. Smith, an English soldier and explorer, is only 27 years old when he sets sail across the Atlantic Ocean. The London Company funds this venture in hopes of finding gold and silver in the new land. Instead, Smith and the other settlers encounter illness, inadequate food supplies and natives who look, sound and act unlike anyone they have ever known. According to a subsequent book by Smith he is taken prisoner, but is saved and befriended by the young Pocahontas. Later, a captive herself, Pocahontas meets Englishman John Rolfe and falls in love. Author McLeese writes this historical overview in a simple, straightforward manner suitable for the intended age group. Illustrations emphasize the story line and bibliographic references make this a good choice for the classroom. Although a brief introduction to early American history, this book from the "Native American Legends" series incorporates enough details of the two cultures and times to engage the interest of young readers. Classroom instruction can lead to a more in-depth study of cross cultural cooperation and trust. 2004, Rourke Publishing, Ages 8 to 12.
—Francine Thomas