The Massachusetts Colony

Children's Literature

Did you realize that the first public high school was established in Boston in 1635? Are you aware that Harvard was founded in 1636 as the first university in what was to become the United States? Have you thought about the fact that without the help of the Native American population the original Pilgrims would have died in 1620 during their first winter in the New World? These and many other interesting facts are presented in this brief illustrated history of the Massachusetts colony. In this volume of "The Colonies" series, author Bob Italia offers younger readers an opportunity to become acquainted with some of the fascinating elements that make up colonial history in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts colony holds great historical interest for its striking elements of early American history. It was in Massachusetts that the Pilgrims set out to make a new home based upon their strongly held religious convictions. In Massachusetts, the Salem Witch Trials occurred and led to the horrible practice of executing innocent people for perceived dabbling in the Black Arts. Massachusetts was also the setting for the Boston Tea party, the Boston Massacre, and many Revolutionary War engagements. All in all, readers with an interest in American history certainly will find a great deal to enjoy in this little book. Bob Italia has crafted a nice introduction to a broad subject and has done so in a way that will appeal to elementary age readers. 2001, ABDO Publishing Company, Romaneck