Pocahontas

Children's Literature

You are probably familiar with the story of Pocahontas, but did you know that her real name was Matoaka? Pocahontas was a nickname that means "spoiled child." This storybook contains many interesting facts about the Indian princess. The book does a good job of explaining what historians know to be fact and what is legend. The bright and beautiful graphics tell the story and teach early Native American and English culture by depicting Pocahontas in a native costume and showing her home and other things she would have experienced during her lifetime. The back of the book contains a timetable, a glossary of words, and a fun section called, "Do you know?" The book contains a fact hound special code that children can use to find safe Web sites that relate to Pocahontas. This book not only teaches young readers about the beautiful Princess, but is also designed to make history come to life for young readers by focusing on the lifestyle of the early colonists and Native Americans. 2004, Picture Window Books, Ages 6 to 8.
— Nicole Peterson

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-These biographies are written in a kid-friendly, chatty style. All provide brief general information about the featured subject. The type is large, the sentences are easy to read, and the backgrounds uncluttered, making them good choices for beginning readers. They're also suitable for classroom read-alouds. The boldly colored illustrations were digitally rendered and encompass full spreads. The captions present interesting extra tidbits about the person. An additional bonus is a link to the Fact Hound Web site, which contains links to sites for further information. These biographies are similar in reading level to the "First Biographies" series (Capstone/Pebble) but those books are illustrated with photos and reproductions. Nettleton's titles are twice as large and more visually appealing.-Sheilah Kosco, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.