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Two Bad Pilgrims
Everybody knows about the Pilgrims?pious, sober voyagers who sought new lives in the New World. But two very bad Pilgrims have been largely forgotten by history, and they?re ready to tell their story! Real-life boys Francis and Johnny Billington nearly blew up the Mayflower, got kidnapped by Indians, and wreaked havoc wherever they went. Award-winning author Kathryn Lasky and illustrator John Manders reveal the lives of America?s first troublemakers?as well as tons of fascinating Pilgrim facts?with kid-friendly humor and energetic comic book?style art in this irreverent book that is part history, part parody, and all comedy.
Paperback
First published August 20, 2009
82 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Lasky
268 books2,291 followersKathryn Lasky, also known as Kathryn Lasky Knight and E. L. Swann, is an award-winning American author of over one hundred books for children and adults. Best known for the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, her work has been translated into 19 languages and includes historical fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 11, 2022
Funny comic book style book with loads of information about the pilgrims, the mayflower and Plymouth rock.
October 21, 2009
What do I think of this book? I still am mulling over it. I like that this is more of a graphic novel style of picture book. I like that a lot of history is thrown in. I like that it is about two pilgrims that most people don't read about in the regular pilgrim's history books for children, Johnny and Francis Billington who were two of the "strangers"** (or if they do they don't read it with the spotlight on why they were "bad" boys). And these two boys did some "bad" things...such as almost blowing up the Mayflower. However, some of it just skimmed what was going on. It introduces the "Indians" (and mentions that they weren't really from India) but at the end when two "Indian" boys say they want to tell "their" side of the story, I was sad that they didn't get to. I would like this book more if it were one of those "flip" books where you flip it over and read another side of the story on the other side of the book or if it were part of a series with other 1620 perspectives...especially if it was with a the Native American or "saints"** perspective.
The end of the author's note sums up the book nicely. "I hope Francis and Johnny's story will help you see that history is not always as black-and-white as it can sometimes appear. Every era has its share of goody-goodies and troublemakers. And I like to think that, as Americans, there's a little Billington in all of us."
**["Strangers" were those who were on the Mayflower for reasons other than Religion--those on the Mayflower for Religious reasons were called "saints".:]
The end of the author's note sums up the book nicely. "I hope Francis and Johnny's story will help you see that history is not always as black-and-white as it can sometimes appear. Every era has its share of goody-goodies and troublemakers. And I like to think that, as Americans, there's a little Billington in all of us."
**["Strangers" were those who were on the Mayflower for reasons other than Religion--those on the Mayflower for Religious reasons were called "saints".:]
March 4, 2010
Author: Kathryn Lasky; Illustrated: John Manders; Picture Book; Grades: K-4?
This is a "true" account of Johnny and Francis Billington; two adolescent brothers who were very mischievous and actually rode on the Mayflower. The story recounts their tale and all the havoc they unleashed...primarily almost blowing up the Mayflower.
I didn't care too much for this book! Everyone knows one or two versions of the Pilgrims...they were either good, or bad. The story, in my opinion, is a typical Pilgrim story, from the boys' perspective. The story, however, has some truthful aspects, "By the way children, it's worth noting that the people you called "Indians" were actually Americans - the native people of the new world." I think it's good to be honest...but some things were not so 'G' rated. They talk about Samoset and he's seen naked, while "making people blush" at the sight of his wind blown loin cloth. The book is cartooned to look like a graphic novel, but the illustrations of the so-called "native american" depict them with big red noses, which is ironic because propaganda cartoons and Warner Bros. would draw the "indians" like that to reference their drinking and the alcoholism.
This is a "true" account of Johnny and Francis Billington; two adolescent brothers who were very mischievous and actually rode on the Mayflower. The story recounts their tale and all the havoc they unleashed...primarily almost blowing up the Mayflower.
I didn't care too much for this book! Everyone knows one or two versions of the Pilgrims...they were either good, or bad. The story, in my opinion, is a typical Pilgrim story, from the boys' perspective. The story, however, has some truthful aspects, "By the way children, it's worth noting that the people you called "Indians" were actually Americans - the native people of the new world." I think it's good to be honest...but some things were not so 'G' rated. They talk about Samoset and he's seen naked, while "making people blush" at the sight of his wind blown loin cloth. The book is cartooned to look like a graphic novel, but the illustrations of the so-called "native american" depict them with big red noses, which is ironic because propaganda cartoons and Warner Bros. would draw the "indians" like that to reference their drinking and the alcoholism.
December 5, 2009
An irreverent look at the pilgrims. Lasky mixes fact with a little embellishment to make a graphic novel style picture book that tells the lesser told story of the pilgrims. The bad boys of pilgrim life poke a bit of fun at the "founding fathers" and the true facts of the story will have you thinking twice about making heroes out of people who stole food from the Natives and took their land...
November 28, 2019
This picture book graphic novel by eminent historical fiction author Kathryn Lasky aims to tell the story of two specific Pilgrims: Francis and John Billington. Professor Standish Brewster attempts to tell children the story of the Pilgrims of the Mayflower but two young boys interject with their version of the story. John and Francis Billington and their parents caused all sorts of problems not being Separatists/Saints. The boys almost blew up the Mayflower and Johnny got lost and lived with the Indians for a month.
The story is supposed to be funny, especially when the boys interrupt, argue and interject with their side of the story. While sometimes they do correct the history books, like when they explain Indians are actually Americans, most of the information is wildly exaggerated and the pictures are utterly dreadful. Normally I love Kathryn Lasky but now I wonder whether the beloved books of my youth are actually as factually incorrect as this one. She does admit to taking some liberties with the story, like making the boys young instead of teens, but the story is just poorly done. The basic outline of the story is fine but there are some inaccuracies, simplifications and lack of clarification. The Indians are portrayed as savages. They're practically naked, especially Samoset who "makes people blush" at the sight of his wind blown loin cloth. WHAT THE WHAT? Yes they did wear breechcloths and probably the English colonists were horrified but is this necessary in a book for early elementary students? The New England natives didn't wear feathers all the time and in winter they did wear furs. LOOK IT UP or better yet, visit Plimoth Plantation. Also, Plimoth is just the name of the settlement. Plymouth is where they come from in England.
The real problem with this book is the horridly stereotypical illustrations. I was completely appalled to see the Wampanoag colored in red with giant, bulbous noses wearing feathers. What is this 1950? We know better now. I don't care if this is supposed to be a graphic novel for kids. I've never seen a human that color and making the Indians red otherizes them and makes them figures of fun. No. Just no. I've seen many New England Indians and none look like that. The Pilgrims are cartoonish as well but some attempt was made to depict them in semi-accurate clothing.
I read this to an 11 year and and a 6 year old. The 6 year old ran off and back again to look at the illustrations once in awhile. The 11 year old stuck with it as I read the story but I refused to read the note explaining what happened to the Billingtons afterwards. She's sensitive and I didn't want her to hear about John Billington, Sr. being hanged. There are much much better books to read on Thanksgiving than this one. I am so terribly disappointed in Kathryn Lasky.
The story is supposed to be funny, especially when the boys interrupt, argue and interject with their side of the story. While sometimes they do correct the history books, like when they explain Indians are actually Americans, most of the information is wildly exaggerated and the pictures are utterly dreadful. Normally I love Kathryn Lasky but now I wonder whether the beloved books of my youth are actually as factually incorrect as this one. She does admit to taking some liberties with the story, like making the boys young instead of teens, but the story is just poorly done. The basic outline of the story is fine but there are some inaccuracies, simplifications and lack of clarification. The Indians are portrayed as savages. They're practically naked, especially Samoset who "makes people blush" at the sight of his wind blown loin cloth. WHAT THE WHAT? Yes they did wear breechcloths and probably the English colonists were horrified but is this necessary in a book for early elementary students? The New England natives didn't wear feathers all the time and in winter they did wear furs. LOOK IT UP or better yet, visit Plimoth Plantation. Also, Plimoth is just the name of the settlement. Plymouth is where they come from in England.
The real problem with this book is the horridly stereotypical illustrations. I was completely appalled to see the Wampanoag colored in red with giant, bulbous noses wearing feathers. What is this 1950? We know better now. I don't care if this is supposed to be a graphic novel for kids. I've never seen a human that color and making the Indians red otherizes them and makes them figures of fun. No. Just no. I've seen many New England Indians and none look like that. The Pilgrims are cartoonish as well but some attempt was made to depict them in semi-accurate clothing.
I read this to an 11 year and and a 6 year old. The 6 year old ran off and back again to look at the illustrations once in awhile. The 11 year old stuck with it as I read the story but I refused to read the note explaining what happened to the Billingtons afterwards. She's sensitive and I didn't want her to hear about John Billington, Sr. being hanged. There are much much better books to read on Thanksgiving than this one. I am so terribly disappointed in Kathryn Lasky.
November 20, 2012
I know graphic novels are the current rage for some children, and especially when trying to teach content, it's important to appeal to the reader. However, it switches from trying to teach about the history, to being almost "preachy." "By the way children, it's worth noting the people you call "Indians," were actually Americans-the Native people of the New World."
Students that haven't experienced reading graphic novels might need to hear this as a read-aloud, in order to understand the format of conversation... one of the teacher and one of the Billingtons. Probably good for third grade and up independent readers. This would be a great book to use as a mentor text when introducing argumentative,dialogue, characterization, humor, etc...
Students that haven't experienced reading graphic novels might need to hear this as a read-aloud, in order to understand the format of conversation... one of the teacher and one of the Billingtons. Probably good for third grade and up independent readers. This would be a great book to use as a mentor text when introducing argumentative,dialogue, characterization, humor, etc...
March 30, 2015
I really enjoyed this story because it told the tale of pilgrims in a different aspect. The story begins as the pilgrims are leaving England these two mischievous boys known as the Billingtons tell their journey of life on the ship and in the world. These two boys never quit and find ways to have fun and do things that none of the other pilgrims liked.As they journeyed through the new world the story shows that not all the pilgrims were good and there was these two boys who made things a little more difficult in the new colony. One thing I enjoyed about this book was the use of panels and bubble text which made the story suitable for children. For example, the panels helped show how one thing after another the boys were unhappy and finding ways to get into something. This made the story of a historical event a cartoon that was interesting from the beginning to the end. Another key part of this book that the narrator interacted with the characters which helped show how the the two boys weren't so good. The authors idea to use the interaction of characters in the story really added to making this story very enjoyable for readers as opposed to reading a textbook about pilgrims.
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March 6, 2012This was such a cute book! It is a shorter book filled with bright colorful pictures. This book talks about the pilgrims coming to america on the mayflower but it tells the story through the perspective of two litle boys. It shows the adventures they would go on and the trouble they would get in. On each page there is the caption boxes of what the young boys are saying, but then there are information boxes that inform the readers about what was historically going on during this time period. This book will be great around thanksgiving time to explain to the students what the holiday is all about and why we celebrate it.
July 12, 2012
A rather visually appealing book but the manner in which the information is presented leaves much to be desired. American Indians are treated with the usual disrespect; being referred to as "feathered men." When the adult pilgrims chase off the American Indians and find a large kettle and a crop of corn, they feel free to take what isn't there's and this isn't pointed out as stealing except by the two poorly behaved boys who help narrate the story. Graves are dug up with no comment on the inappropriateness of this except, again, by the two kids.
I expected so much more from Kathryn Lasky. This is the 21st century, after all.
I expected so much more from Kathryn Lasky. This is the 21st century, after all.
March 5, 2014
Text to Text: This book is different from others because it is the first graphic novel that has some American history in it. It is funny but also includes some history facts such as the journey on the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock.
Text to Self: This book reminds me of the many stories I have heard about the Pilgrims and their story. This book reminded me of the stories I have heard in the past about the history of Thanksgiving.
Text to World: This book can relate to the topic of Thanksgiving and the history of Pilgrims. These are two ongoing subjects discussed in school and this book includes a little history about it that are not included in the history books.
Text to Self: This book reminds me of the many stories I have heard about the Pilgrims and their story. This book reminded me of the stories I have heard in the past about the history of Thanksgiving.
Text to World: This book can relate to the topic of Thanksgiving and the history of Pilgrims. These are two ongoing subjects discussed in school and this book includes a little history about it that are not included in the history books.
February 17, 2012
Wow. There's a lot of historical research put into this book. It's not always pretty, but it's tempered with humor. I learned a lot. This is not one of those happy Thanksgiving books of my childhood, but a lot more accurate and socially conscious look at it. And it's fascinating to realize that not all of the pilgrims were Puritans-- or even that some of them were not religious at all. And it's a great reminder that not everyone is good, even with the rose colored glasses of the passage of time.
October 22, 2011
The true story of two boys who were mischief-makers on the Mayflower. Formatted like a graphic novel, but written for ages 4-8, the story is fun and educational. Like all graphic books, the story is bare-bones, and missing all the richness of prose, but would appeal to the target age, and even to older reluctant readers. An author's note at the back gives a little more information about the wild boys, who in real life almost managed to blow up the Mayflower!
March 9, 2015
I like the way this book presented some history and information while telling the story of two mischievous boys. That's something we can all relate to. It was very entertaining and I couldn't wait to read what the boys would say next. I also like that the boys really existed and were on the Mayflower. This book offered many self to text connections while teaching about history and providing information.
April 23, 2017
A fun mixture of history and some comic book fun. The stories are based on fact and the kids' hijinx show that kids are kids, no matter what the era.
There are a lot of interesting facts presented about the pilgrims journey and their first year on the new continent. We enjoyed the story and learned a little too!
There are a lot of interesting facts presented about the pilgrims journey and their first year on the new continent. We enjoyed the story and learned a little too!
April 18, 2017
Sorry, I really didn't like the cartoon-style drawings, though I did like Mr. Billington, the big oaf. There was some good information about the Pilgrims and how they managed through the first hard winter, but it was spoiled by the artwork and the remarks (some annoyingly anachronistic in language and ideas).
Disappointing, but it will probably appeal to those who like the graphic novel format.
Disappointing, but it will probably appeal to those who like the graphic novel format.
September 7, 2013
Two bad pilgrims is based a family who came over on the Mayflower. Instead of the normal Mayflower story this story tells of a family that wasn't at all nice which you don't usually hear about. The book is set up like a comic book with historical facts in text boxes.
Genre: Historical
Published: 2009
Genre: Historical
Published: 2009
March 10, 2015
This book was fun to read. It felt as if I reading a comic book, and i really enjoyed that. The book actually taught a little history about the mayflower. The illustrations were great, and I feel that students can learn from this book without realizing it! I feel I would use this in class if I had the opportunity to teach a little about Thanksgiving, or history in general.
April 21, 2015
This is a fun graphic novel about two children who were on the Mayflower. Beautiful, colorful illustrations add to this fun to read story done in comic book style. Kids would love to read this, and I would love to have it in my classroom. I can see this being a big hit, and the students would be learning some history and enjoy it.
November 24, 2016
This book, Two Bad Pilgrims, is a great book and funny book on teaching children about pilgrims. The themes are funny and adventure. The genres are historical fiction and picture book while the ages are kindergarten to eighth grade. Overall, this book is a creative way to get children who might not enjoy books as much to read and learn about pilgrims.
October 23, 2009
Very entertaining book about two naughty brothers who came over on the Mayflower and their exploits. It really gives a different flavor to the traditional Pilgrim story and I think it would really appeal to kids with a graphic novel flavor.
October 7, 2011
This was a graphic novel about two pilgrim boys. I am no historian so I am not positive but there were factual information mixed with the story. The story I felt was a little long. But overall the story was just o.k.
October 28, 2009
A unique twist, lots going on in the surround, builds on some little know facts.
October 29, 2009
doesn't thrill me - graphic novel format of nonfiction
April 12, 2011
Too cute for Thanksgiving. I liked it because it was written as a comic book, it think it would work for a small group or buddy reading.
July 14, 2011
I like how this book reminds us that not all historical people were well behaved and model citizens. These two boys certainly were not. Fun comic book style.
December 2, 2011
Comical and written almost like a comic book style.
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December 7, 2011Horrible. Not even funny.
November 8, 2012
Great "other side of the story" Thanksgiving tale. Perfect for upper elem. grades.
July 12, 2014
A great cartoon illustration style, packed full of information, showing a side of history I hadn't even known.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews