William Bradford: Pilgrim Boy

by Bradford Smith, Robert Doremus (Illustrator)

Bradford Smith's engaging and informative writing style draw readers into the life story of one of American history's most dynamic characters. Young and old alike will enjoy this thoroughly researched and personable biography of the first Governor of Plimouth Plantation.

Read about William Bradford's difficult childhood in England and see how he was being prepared by hardship and loss to face the challenges of his adult life. Bravely standing up to the corrupt authorities of his day, William Bradford chose to follow his conscience even when faced with losing everything dear to him. His life, seen here, is one of courage, determination, and faith. Bradford Smith has written on of the best children's biographies available on this remarkable man. Pen and ink sketches by Robert Dorms enrich the text and will appeal to all.

Genres: History, Biography, American History, School, Historical, Nonfiction, Childrens

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to the kids for school. We all gave it 5 stars. William definitely had a difficult life, but persevered and was able to accomplish much. He was a an example of hard-work, dedication, and faith.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one with my kids as part of their history curriculum this year. My boys loved it! They always asked for “just one more chapter.” It’s a great way to introduce the Pilgrims to your children. I do wish there were more details on their beliefs and I also found the characters to be a bit flat, a bit too perfect. Some rounding out would’ve added authenticity.

[Jennifer Valdois · Rating 5 out of 5]

We fell in love with William Bradford while reading this book. He faced so many injustices in his childhood but he let them shape his good character.

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a good book to use to introduce very young children to the Pilgrims' life in England. It is aimed at young children and beginning readers, so the hardships they, and particularly William Bradford, encountered and the persecutions they went through are handled very delicately. It is extremely fast paced so it would keep their attention while also opening opportunities for further discussion of the religious differences that drove William to give up all he owned.
There were a couple of things that I thought strange. I’m not sure why this is called William Bradford, Pilgrim Boy. William Braford was certainly no boy when the Pilgrims set sail for America. He was nearly a full grown man when they left England for Holland. It is an interesting biography of his childhood years, so maybe a better title would have been William Bradford, Boyhood of a Pilgrim.
Then, while the Bible was mentioned and even quoted, there was surprisingly little about the religion. Almost in passing, the author mentions the reason that his friend, the Separatist leader William Brewster, was thrown in jail was his faith. He seems to put more emphasis on the disagreement with the king than on their desire to faithfully live their faith. Even more surprising, is the lack of Gospel. I was expecting more about his faith because this publisher is a Christian based book. The whole focus of the book is odd. There was more about his interest in Robin Hood and being a farmer than there is on his faith.
I would recommend it as a starting biography, but I would also recommend trying to find a source that teaches more about his faith also, perhaps his own writings.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great young readers’ overview of the early life of William Bradford and the events leading up to the pilgrims’ traveling to the New World on the Mayflower. I appreciate the timeline in the back of the book as well, giving great context to the events of the book. This book will be a required reading for history in our homeschool.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud along with history unit about Colonial America. Enjoyed it and learning more about William Bradford who had many opportunities to be soured by life and the hand he was dealt but stayed positive and used his experience as an orphan to help others. I really like how his knowledge from tutoring with Mr. Brewster helped on his farm with the sheep.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only a great biography of William Bradford, primarly telling of his childhood in England, but also full of information of the lesser known William Brewster, who was very instrumental in the life of William Bradford. Both are key parts of the great Pilgrim story, which we simply must not forget - or let others twist the truth of the true story.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read a-loud. Kids and I enjoyed this book a lot. I asked the kids one thing they remember most about William Bradford and my daughter says "he lost a lot of people in his life". He really did....but still was such a strong man.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this to my kids. What an excellent and engaging biography about Bradford. One of the best pilgrim stories I’ve read in a very long time. I felt like we were there with your Bradford. I am amazed at how much I learned from this children’s book.

[Christina Brandsma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even the kids I read this to asked me some questions about child abuse and neglect. The story feels dated in its descriptions of children (being beat, yelled at for speaking, or discouraged from education). I found better resources for discussing the life of pilgrims and wouldn't recommend this book.

[Megan Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet read-aloud with my boys for their history curriculum this year. It really brought history to life for us and we fell in love with William and were brought to tears by his story at times.

[Goble Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book for upper elementary and middle school students.

[Megan]

CURRICULUM: BFB Early American History Intermediate

[Rachel C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read aloud this book for our history curriculum to my 8 and 10 year old. They seemed to enjoy it and we learned a lot about the life of William Bradford.

[Angela Wellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a family read aloud for part of our homeschool history curriculum. We all really enjoyed it.

[Rebecca Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this aloud to my kids. Good information given in a story form about the pilgrims.

[Kristin Holbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good living history book for kids. I never learned anything about William Bradford in school. Now homeschooling we are reading this for the Beautiful Feet curriculum.

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

KCA summer read-aloud

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way William dealt with and overcame his difficulties in life was inspiring, as well as how he dedicated his life to helping others and following God. A great thanksgiving read aloud for my kids.

[Seager (God Loves You!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It the story of William Bradford and how he became a leader of the pilgrims, it goes through his adventures as a kid and how he grows up to be the great man we know of know! I hope y’all read!! Recommend!!!

P.S.
it’s a great family read! 😊

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapters are encumbered by a belabored comparison of the Bradford family's shepherding to the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and this cost the book an entire star for my review. Nonetheless, carry on good reader! This biography focus' more on Bradford's early life experiences in England, how he came to see America as a land of religious freedom worth sailing for, and how he fared after arriving. Parents will want to know the dark story of the demise of Bradford's first wife is handled delicately, and with brevity.

This is a lovely read-aloud, with a somewhat non-traditional approach to the Pilgrims and the Thanksgiving story. By developing the back story of Bradford's life, the author shines fresh illumination on the Plimouth settlement, as well as provides numerous opportunities for children (and parents) to relate to Bradford. The overall effect is wholesome and inspiring. A perfect compliment to the Kate Waters series that we so much enjoy. Highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this easy to read children's chapter book. Starts with William Bradford as a boy, his life and struggles, what brought him to America, and ended up as 1st governor of Plymouth Colony in 1620's. Inspiring

[Pamela York · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to William Bradford for children. My 4 year old enjoyed it even though there aren't many pictures.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it told a lot about his life. One time he touched the king and the king swatted him.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony. Perfect for upper elementary-aged students.

[Elaine Sumpter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for history . I liked it a lot!

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great childhood reading.