Synopsis
An introduction to the life of the young seventeenth-century Indian woman who befriended Captain John Smith and the English settlers of Jamestown.
Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature
These short "Rookie Biographies" are perfect for emergent readers. They feature people in the news as well as famous men and women of the past. Pocahontas was a real person who was an Indian princess. She was an active child who spent time around the settlers in Jamestown. She learned English from Captain John Smith and she convinced her father, the chief of the Powhatan to provide food to keep the people in Jamestown alive. When John Smith was captured by the Native Americans, she is reported to have saved his life. Later as hostilities grew between the Native Americans and the English settlers Pocahontas was kidnapped. She was set free and later married John Rolfe and there was peace among the peoples. She even traveled to England and met the Queen. Unfortunately, Pocahontas took ill and died in England. A perpetuation of the story which is fairly well known, but one that kids will enjoy reading. Since there were no photographs at that time, the book is illustrated with reproductions of engravings and paintings and some original artwork. There is a pictorial words to know section at the end of the text, an index and a brief blurb about the author. 2003, Children's Press, Ages 5 to 7.