The Rhode Island Colony

Children's Literature

This educational book is part of the "Fact Finders, The American Colonies" series highlighting the origins of America's first thirteen colonies. The books excel in their easy-to-read presentation, full-color photographs and illustrations, glossary, and bibliography. Readers learn about the Narragansett Indians native to this area, the struggles of the colony's early settlers, their work, life, and religious habits, and how Rhode Island became a state. Included in the six chapters are interesting "Fast Facts" which further highlight information in the text. Young readers will learn that corn was the main crop of the early colonists, that Rhode Island was the only New England colony that did not pass a law to start public schools, and that slaves were forced to work at the colony's large, flourishing plantations. Readers will also learn that Rhode Island was referred to as "Rogue's Island" by other New England colonists because of its open acceptance of religious faiths, including Quaker, Puritan, Jewish, and Baptist. Also covered are the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the forming of the Constitution. There is also a time line, spanning from 1636 to 1790, when Rhode Island became the thirteenth state to join the United States. Readers can gain more information about the colonies by perusing the links offered at FactHound.com. 2005, Capstone Press, Ages 9 to 12.
—Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt