Roanoke: A Novel of the Lost Colony

by Sonia Levitin, Terry Miura (Illustrator)

An English youth and an Indian girl are caught up in the events leading to the mysterious disappearance of the colony at Roanoke Island.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Sonia Levitin is a German-American novelist, artist, producer, Holocaust Survivor, and author of over forty novels and picture books for young adults and children, as well as several theatrical plays and published essays on various topics for adults. Her book Incident at Loring Groves won an Edgar Allan Poe Award.

Reviews

[JL Salty · Rating 4 out of 5]

PG-13: coming of age, white v. native

[Marwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

January 30, 2015 210-End Of Book About 75 pages: After finishing the book I recommend this book for anyone who likes historical fiction. I personally did not find it as interesting as I thought it would be due to the fact that I had a big background of the lost colony. Because you start to remember what you learned and it mixes you up with events in th book. What I did like about the book is that he started from when he ran away from the owners house and made his way to the colonies I was happy it wasn't a flashback moment while he was in the colonies so it was interesting in that way. All in all I have learned more about my self as a reader.

January 23,2015 107-210: After reading the next hundred pages I am starting to see many bold moves from William. Such as running away then going to old friends then finally going to America. But I am still asking myself the question did he steal the things because all these moves are showing that most probably he did steal the things. But maybe he did that just to get away from the sherifs. Who knows? but I am decently enjoying the book as it is starting to become a different feeling as I know the background of the colony.


January 17,2015 1-106: So far I have read about hundred pages of the book and I'm starting to learn a lot about the main character William Wythers. I still can't seem to find out who stole the things from his masters house if he didn't. So far he seems like an innocent man that has been framed. When starting the book I always that he was to blame and he shouldn't of run away. But as I read on I noticed the things that his master does to his servants. But I also think his masters wife has such a bad reputation due to her husband. But in true she is very kind to help William with his problems. But I also think she did it for a benefit for herself which I am still trying to figure out. But All in all I think it is a good book and can't wait to read on and have the benefit of knowing the back story of the lost colony due to Social Studies.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

16 year old orphan William Wythers escapes from an abusive apprenticeship to try to make a life for himself, when he hears about friends who are going to settle the New World. He finds himself in the ill fated Roanoke Colony. The story takes the facts known about the colony and weaves a story that includes logical explanations of what happened to the colony that might or might not be true. Notes at the end make the distinction between what is factual and what extrapolated. Positive, though hints at adult sexual/romantic emotions. The booklink says the interest level is middle school, but themes and romance make it appropriate for upper level readers.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent fictional treatment of what may have happened on the island of Roanoke. I have read better books, but this is very informative and kept my attention. My middle school class will be reading it this summer to prepare them for our American History class. It is excellent for this purpose.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another vacation-based book that I enjoyed for its historical accuracy (as far as possible) and ingenuity in taking the story beyond what historical fact tells us. 16-year-old orphan, William Wythers takes the chance for adventure in the New World, and finds hardship and… You’ll have to read for yourself how Levitin portrays Roanoke and what happens.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was a kid and loved it. I just re-read it, and was surprised by how well written it was. A fun historical novel. Not really sure what age group it's meant for, maybe young adult?

[Devin Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. This is a book people that are dying for a sappy, corny, read with a cut-off ending, read Roanoke.