Jamestown: New World Adventure

Adventures in Colonial America

by James E. Knight, David Wenzel (Illustrator)

Two English children are told the story of their grandfather's experiences as one of the original Jamestown colonists of 1607.

Genres: History, American History, Childrens, School, 2nd Grade, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Mary Beth]

This was a good introduction for young students to the Jamestown settlement. It is short and not very-detailed, but does show the hardships the early settlers experienced. It is written like a diary and feels like a very personal read.

[Erendira]

A smooth historical read chronicling the adventures of Israel Worth during the settlement of James Towne lead by Captain John Smith. Journal entries describe starvation, amicable encounters with Pocahontas, and a longing to survive a new life of isolation, in-fighting, and hostile weather.

[Stephanie]

Great tool for teaching Jamestown across the curriculum.

[Elizabeth]

AR 3.9

[Marleah]

This was a good introduction to life in the Jamestown colony.

[Sandy]

Written in journal format, this was a great "living book" historical account of how challenging the environment would have been for the first settlers of the Jamestown colony.

[Brittany]

Would rate 3.75

Good perspective from a colonists standpoint and the arduous work it was to build and attempt to sustain a new colony in a foreign land.

[Elisabeth Harmon]

I think it was well told and interesting for littles. Some reviews call it "too graphic" but as my daughter quipped "well that's Jamestown for you!"

[Heather]

This was a lovely little book. We read it in one sitting. It tells the story of Jamestown (albeit condensed into 30 pages) through the use of one settlers journal. We hear about the struggles and friendship with the natives, the starvation, sickness, problems with leadership, etc. We learn about Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. It's decidedly pro-Captain Smith which some persons may take issue with.

The illustrations are fantastic even though they are only black and white.

My kids really enjoyed the book and I felt like it was sufficient for the little guys. We're reading a bit more about Pocahontas and Smith for the older kids.

Really well done and well worth seeking out.

[Hailey White]

Took turns with my oldest 2 children reading this aloud as part of our Beautiful Feet History curriculum. I've read several children's books on the subject and this is by far my favorite. Written as a journal (similar to the Dear America books) but narrated by descendants of the persons journal. The simple sketches were enjoyed.

[Hannah Avery]

Nice book, told in a living format!