What do you think?
Rate this book
The Double Life of Pocahontas
A complex and fascinating historical figure illuminated by Newbery Honor-winning Jean Fritz.
In a story that is as gripping as it is historical, Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz reveals the true life of Pocahontas. Though at first permitted to move freely between the Indian and the white worlds, Pocahontas was eventually torn between her new life and the culture that shaped her.
"This book dispels myths and describes with immediacy the life of a girl whose active conscience made her a pawn, exploited by her own people and the white world." — Publishers Weekly
"Jean Fritz removes the romantic varnish from the legend and turns history into engrossing reality." — The New Yorker
In a story that is as gripping as it is historical, Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz reveals the true life of Pocahontas. Though at first permitted to move freely between the Indian and the white worlds, Pocahontas was eventually torn between her new life and the culture that shaped her.
"This book dispels myths and describes with immediacy the life of a girl whose active conscience made her a pawn, exploited by her own people and the white world." — Publishers Weekly
"Jean Fritz removes the romantic varnish from the legend and turns history into engrossing reality." — The New Yorker
96 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 1983
42 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Jean Fritz
94 books156 followersJean Guttery Fritz was an American children's writer best known for American biography and history. She won the Children's Legacy Literature Award for her career contribution to American children's literature in 1986. She turned 100 in November 2015 and died in May 2017 at the age of 101.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
February 27, 2022
I read this book to see whether we should keep it in our middle school collection or whether we should give its space to another biography of a Native American historical figure.
The good:
1) Pocahontas is a main character. I’ve read biographies of her in which Jamestown is the main character and she is little more than a side character, so yay for that. She’s a real person in this one and not just an extension of John Smith.
2) her relationship to John Smith is at least initially portrayed as one in which Pocahontas views Smith as a brother (after the adoption) and a countryman (back in London). If there was a romantic gloss it wasn’t heavy handed.
3) Pocahontas’s first marriage is acknowledged.
The bad:
1) I still think this book portrays Pocahontas and her tribe too much as simpletons easily amazed, bribed, and fooled by the wondrous white men. It’s a little less obnoxious in Fritz’s telling, but I don’t like it.
2) although Pocahontas is not called a Princess, she is described using language like “regal” and “standing tall and proud like a Princess”. There is another native woman in the book who flat out called an Indian Queen. I’ve learned from reading Debbie Reese at the American Indians in Children’s Literature blog that these are European terms, not native ones. “If it sounds European, it probably is.” https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...
Reese encourages librarians to weed books that describe Pocahontas as a Princess to avoid miseducating readers, so I guess we should likely weed this one.
I hear that Joseph Bruchac has written a historical novel about Pocahontas. I haven’t read it yet, but will seek it out to see if our library can stock it for readers looking for the story of Pocahontas instead.
As for our biography section, I think replacing this with nearly any biography of a Native American that was actually written by a Native American (rather than a white historian/author, however talented) would serve our students better.
The good:
1) Pocahontas is a main character. I’ve read biographies of her in which Jamestown is the main character and she is little more than a side character, so yay for that. She’s a real person in this one and not just an extension of John Smith.
2) her relationship to John Smith is at least initially portrayed as one in which Pocahontas views Smith as a brother (after the adoption) and a countryman (back in London). If there was a romantic gloss it wasn’t heavy handed.
3) Pocahontas’s first marriage is acknowledged.
The bad:
1) I still think this book portrays Pocahontas and her tribe too much as simpletons easily amazed, bribed, and fooled by the wondrous white men. It’s a little less obnoxious in Fritz’s telling, but I don’t like it.
2) although Pocahontas is not called a Princess, she is described using language like “regal” and “standing tall and proud like a Princess”. There is another native woman in the book who flat out called an Indian Queen. I’ve learned from reading Debbie Reese at the American Indians in Children’s Literature blog that these are European terms, not native ones. “If it sounds European, it probably is.” https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...
Reese encourages librarians to weed books that describe Pocahontas as a Princess to avoid miseducating readers, so I guess we should likely weed this one.
I hear that Joseph Bruchac has written a historical novel about Pocahontas. I haven’t read it yet, but will seek it out to see if our library can stock it for readers looking for the story of Pocahontas instead.
As for our biography section, I think replacing this with nearly any biography of a Native American that was actually written by a Native American (rather than a white historian/author, however talented) would serve our students better.
April 12, 2012
This book was a truthful account of the life of Pocahontas, as well as her relationship with John Smith. It dismisses myths about any romance, which have been widespread, and depicts her life as it actually was, using accounts from John Smith and others as a resource. Beyond describing Pocahontas, the book paints a picture of colonization and the dangers it posed for both English men and Native Americans.
Pocahontas is very interesting, and I think many children would like to learn more about her. The author speculated as to how Pocahontas was feeling when certain events took place, which helps the reader to understand what it was really like to be her. She was also presented in a believable manner. The information is accurate, and the author provided in depth notes and sources at the end of the book. The style of the writing kept me engaged the whole time and the book never became boring.
I do not usually enjoy biographies, but I did like this book. It was really interesting to hear the truth about Pocahontas, since I really only knew what I had learned from the Disney movie, and a lot of the information in the movie was false. I could really relate to Pocahontas and imagine how she was feeling, even though her motives are up for debate. I think this is a great resource for students who would like to know more about the true story of Pocahontas or colonization and Native Americans in general.
Pocahontas is very interesting, and I think many children would like to learn more about her. The author speculated as to how Pocahontas was feeling when certain events took place, which helps the reader to understand what it was really like to be her. She was also presented in a believable manner. The information is accurate, and the author provided in depth notes and sources at the end of the book. The style of the writing kept me engaged the whole time and the book never became boring.
I do not usually enjoy biographies, but I did like this book. It was really interesting to hear the truth about Pocahontas, since I really only knew what I had learned from the Disney movie, and a lot of the information in the movie was false. I could really relate to Pocahontas and imagine how she was feeling, even though her motives are up for debate. I think this is a great resource for students who would like to know more about the true story of Pocahontas or colonization and Native Americans in general.
December 20, 2018
Didn't like this book at all. This is book is one of the reasons there is confusion about her and her interactions with John Smith. The author constantly alludes to a romantic relationship between the two. She'd refer to the historical writings and wove her own imagination into It. For instance she wrote that John Smith didn't mention Pocahontas in his entry at this point, but she was probably there smiling at him and watching him....blah blah.
September 12, 2016
The story of Pocahontas has always been fascinating. How did one woman manage to build relations with the settlers who came to America? Jean Fritz writes a well-researched novel about the life of Pocahontas, her role as an ambassador, and the circumstances of her time.
From the moment the English settlers arrive in Jamestown (which they name after their king) life is bound to change for the native tribes. Some manage to trade goods and communicate through sign language with the newcomers, others attack them and often suffer losses. As time goes on, what crystallizes is a human struggle for power: whose land is it, who is “in charge” and who owns which resources. The settler’s preconceptions and plans soon prove hard to realize. There is a huge disconnect between he intentions expectations they have from London, and the harsh reality within the settlement.
The native Americans worship their god Okee, with all devotion and effort. The strong connection between their faith and their nature-based lifestyle is fascinating. Unfortunately, the settlers have the conviction that converting to tribes to Christianity is part of their mission. They pursue this goal with a big sense of entitlement, but with very little success.
The character of Pocahontas is described as a headstrong, confident woman. At the beginning of the story she lives a joyful, protected life and is eager to meet and help the settlers. But as the plot unfolds, and the conflict between both parties’ interests becomes apparent, both the English and her own people let her down time and again. Eventually Pocahontas is abducted and forced to convert to Christianity. She becomes a lonely, isolated woman in a culture that keeps her at a distance.
For anyone who loves the Walt Disney adaptation of Pocahontas, this book might feel like a shock. Things are not as romantic and pretty as they are in the movie. John Smith seems less a noble-minded settler and more a cold-hearted warrior. John Rolfe, who becomes Pocahontas’ second husband, initially adores her but never actually tries to understand who she is. And Powhatan, the wise, honorable chief of the natives’ tribe and Pocahontas’ father puts her in a lot of danger by involving her in his politics. Once she has been abducted, he offers a few gifts to get her back, but when this proves unsuccessful, he leaves her with the settlers without further negotiation.
The tone of this novel is informational, at times even a bit too distant from the inner lives of the characters. There are many instances where the author’s sense of humor (mostly irony) hits home and lightens the mood, but at other times it seems macabre.
One of the things I missed is a coherent, flowing narrative. Because the story is based on historical evidence and credible sources (which do not offer 100% of information on what actually happened) there are gaps and jumps in the story that feel a bit disorienting. Moreover, I had the impression the the story is mainly about John Smith and less about Pocahontas herself (probably because he left a written record of his experience while she did not).
From the moment the English settlers arrive in Jamestown (which they name after their king) life is bound to change for the native tribes. Some manage to trade goods and communicate through sign language with the newcomers, others attack them and often suffer losses. As time goes on, what crystallizes is a human struggle for power: whose land is it, who is “in charge” and who owns which resources. The settler’s preconceptions and plans soon prove hard to realize. There is a huge disconnect between he intentions expectations they have from London, and the harsh reality within the settlement.
The native Americans worship their god Okee, with all devotion and effort. The strong connection between their faith and their nature-based lifestyle is fascinating. Unfortunately, the settlers have the conviction that converting to tribes to Christianity is part of their mission. They pursue this goal with a big sense of entitlement, but with very little success.
The character of Pocahontas is described as a headstrong, confident woman. At the beginning of the story she lives a joyful, protected life and is eager to meet and help the settlers. But as the plot unfolds, and the conflict between both parties’ interests becomes apparent, both the English and her own people let her down time and again. Eventually Pocahontas is abducted and forced to convert to Christianity. She becomes a lonely, isolated woman in a culture that keeps her at a distance.
For anyone who loves the Walt Disney adaptation of Pocahontas, this book might feel like a shock. Things are not as romantic and pretty as they are in the movie. John Smith seems less a noble-minded settler and more a cold-hearted warrior. John Rolfe, who becomes Pocahontas’ second husband, initially adores her but never actually tries to understand who she is. And Powhatan, the wise, honorable chief of the natives’ tribe and Pocahontas’ father puts her in a lot of danger by involving her in his politics. Once she has been abducted, he offers a few gifts to get her back, but when this proves unsuccessful, he leaves her with the settlers without further negotiation.
The tone of this novel is informational, at times even a bit too distant from the inner lives of the characters. There are many instances where the author’s sense of humor (mostly irony) hits home and lightens the mood, but at other times it seems macabre.
One of the things I missed is a coherent, flowing narrative. Because the story is based on historical evidence and credible sources (which do not offer 100% of information on what actually happened) there are gaps and jumps in the story that feel a bit disorienting. Moreover, I had the impression the the story is mainly about John Smith and less about Pocahontas herself (probably because he left a written record of his experience while she did not).
November 28, 2018
The Double Life of Pocahontas written by Jean Fritz is a good depiction of the life of Pocahontas from a different view than we are used to as children. Fritz does a good job describing the events in Pocahontas' life and her eagerness to understand two different cultures. Fritz uses words such as "maybe" and "might" to show that she is making assumptions and does not know for sure. I feel that this would be a good book for students to read to better understand the story of Pocahontas from two different cultures. It shows how she was trying to live two different lives but it became to much for her. If i were to use this in a classroom, I would recommend this for older students, probably fifth-middle school ages. There is lots of text and information so I feel that older students would understand this better. They would also be able to differentiate this story and information from the tale of Pocahontas that they have heard throughout their childhood. This would be a great story for students to read who are from a different culture, living in another culture. They would be able to relate to the hardships that they may have to face, just as Pocahontas did.
May 1, 2008
I probably should give this book a higher rating. Informationally, it's a good book. I was just disappointed because based on the title, I was hoping for and expecting the book to be more exclusively about Pocahontas and her perspective. (How silly of me--there's only so much in historical records.) This book doesn't have anything "new" in it that you can't find elsewhere in Jamestown accounts, and in fact it is mostly just the same, usual Jamestown "stuff." I guess Fritz should be credited with keeping true to historical accounts and not embellishing narrative or making flowery suppositions. She does suggest other motives and emotions for characters that make you think and wonder, but she never presumes to know exactly what anyone was really thinking. As far as being a historical novel, this book should get 4 stars. I was just bummed that I didn't get what I was hoping for.
February 20, 2020
This book about Pocahontas was pretty good but could definitely be better.
February 27, 2011
I read this book for my Children's Literature course. I have always loved the story of Jamestown, Pocahontas, and the Powhatan Indians. Ever since I was a kid I have found it interesting, but for some reason I had never read this book before. Though I still found it a fascinating story, it felt like a story held at arms length. I guess because Jean Fritz is trying to be true to history and the fact that not much is known about Pocahontas' true feelings, a lot of the book says things like "Pocahontas may have felt..." etc. While I'm sure that is the most accurate, it didn't make it easy to be really drawn into the story and characters.
February 17, 2022
To be a historical nonfiction account of Pocahontas, there were a lot of suppositions about her life in this book.
Read
January 4, 2022Remember reading this from early middle school days. As I started 6th grade in Williamsburg, VA, this was kind of required reading.
October 6, 2023
More difficult (reading level) than I expected for Jean Fritz. Too much conjecture (“maybe she felt this”) for my liking. But included some aspects of the Pocahontas tale we hadn’t learned elsewhere.
December 14, 2018
I read this to my two older kids, and it is the best non-fiction book I have ever read for their age group. It was intriguing to all of us, because the stuff that went down in America with the first English colonizers was INSANE. In fact, it would make a really good television show, no truth stretched, no extra plot points needed. I'm surprised that nobody has jumped on that.
June 16, 2015
(Maybe 3.5)
Pocahontas lived a short life, but in her 20-something years on earth she left a lasting impression on at least two cultures, which impression is explored in this book based on the history of the Native American princess, including her intervention regarding John Smith, her eventual marriage to John Rolfe and life in London, and her untimely death.
It was hard to track down a good, authoritative book on the true life and history of Pocahontas when I reached that movie in my Disney source material read-through, and since we have a new local library now I kind of had to choose from what was available. Having said that, it seems like this short book is pretty thorough when it comes to the basics of this influential person's life story. It covers aspects of her life from a very young age as a playful princess of the forest to the time of her death as an Englishwoman with a new culture, religion and name. It also confused me at first, sometimes sounding like a novel, other times like a journal, other times like a history lesson, and it never really found its true voice even by the end. It felt like the author had done her research, but the way it was presented seemed a little dry, even for a historical story. It was hard to follow all the names and dates and locations, and it seemed like she could have written it in a way that would make it a little more cohesive as a story, while still staying faithful to the events that happened in the early 1600s. Also the writing was a little odd at times, with random sentence fragments here and there that seemed to interrupt the flow of the storytelling even more. It seemed like a literary device decision that should probably have been rethought a few times. The illustrations by Ed Young were soft and effective while reading, though they're very few, and didn't leave a lasting impression even just a few days later.
As far as Disney's adaptation goes, I have always loved it as a work of art and will probably defend it until the day I die. Sure, they romanticized it and turned it more into Romeo & Juliet than it probably was, but I don't care. They borrowed from Shakespeare for The Lion King and that worked out just fine. I think Pocahontas's animation is some of Disney's best (props to Glen Keane), and the music and visual style and artistry of the world they created is fantastic. Yes, it's a little heavy-handed at times with the PC elements, which normally annoys me, but at its heart it's a love story that doesn't need to tie everything up perfectly, which I think is pretty beautiful. (For the record, I think it's better with the "If I Never Knew You" scenes included. Why they thought taking those out in the first place was a good idea is beyond me.)
This brief but fairly comprehensive history of Pocahontas outlines the facts pretty clearly, but that's just about all it does. It doesn't read very smoothly and it could be presented in a more interesting and literary format, but it still explores and sheds light on an influential and somewhat mysterious historical figure, and although the few illustrations aren't totally memorable, they're a nice and effective inclusion in context.
Pocahontas lived a short life, but in her 20-something years on earth she left a lasting impression on at least two cultures, which impression is explored in this book based on the history of the Native American princess, including her intervention regarding John Smith, her eventual marriage to John Rolfe and life in London, and her untimely death.
It was hard to track down a good, authoritative book on the true life and history of Pocahontas when I reached that movie in my Disney source material read-through, and since we have a new local library now I kind of had to choose from what was available. Having said that, it seems like this short book is pretty thorough when it comes to the basics of this influential person's life story. It covers aspects of her life from a very young age as a playful princess of the forest to the time of her death as an Englishwoman with a new culture, religion and name. It also confused me at first, sometimes sounding like a novel, other times like a journal, other times like a history lesson, and it never really found its true voice even by the end. It felt like the author had done her research, but the way it was presented seemed a little dry, even for a historical story. It was hard to follow all the names and dates and locations, and it seemed like she could have written it in a way that would make it a little more cohesive as a story, while still staying faithful to the events that happened in the early 1600s. Also the writing was a little odd at times, with random sentence fragments here and there that seemed to interrupt the flow of the storytelling even more. It seemed like a literary device decision that should probably have been rethought a few times. The illustrations by Ed Young were soft and effective while reading, though they're very few, and didn't leave a lasting impression even just a few days later.
As far as Disney's adaptation goes, I have always loved it as a work of art and will probably defend it until the day I die. Sure, they romanticized it and turned it more into Romeo & Juliet than it probably was, but I don't care. They borrowed from Shakespeare for The Lion King and that worked out just fine. I think Pocahontas's animation is some of Disney's best (props to Glen Keane), and the music and visual style and artistry of the world they created is fantastic. Yes, it's a little heavy-handed at times with the PC elements, which normally annoys me, but at its heart it's a love story that doesn't need to tie everything up perfectly, which I think is pretty beautiful. (For the record, I think it's better with the "If I Never Knew You" scenes included. Why they thought taking those out in the first place was a good idea is beyond me.)
This brief but fairly comprehensive history of Pocahontas outlines the facts pretty clearly, but that's just about all it does. It doesn't read very smoothly and it could be presented in a more interesting and literary format, but it still explores and sheds light on an influential and somewhat mysterious historical figure, and although the few illustrations aren't totally memorable, they're a nice and effective inclusion in context.
November 13, 2012
This story is a depiction of Pocahontas that most people have never heard before. The book is broken into five different parts that each build on the story and life of Pocahontas. The book begins by describing the happy life of this eleven-year-old girl living in her Indian tribe. Part 1 talks about the arrival of the English settlers in Virginia and the uneasiness of the Native Americans and English settlers. John Smith, an English settler, is captured and Pocahontas saves his life. In part 2, a ship brings food for the settlers and everything is destroyed by a fire. Chief Powhatan sends food to the settlers along with Pocahontas and she now is becoming familiar with their culture along with her own. Part 3, Smith returns to England and Powhatan and his tribe set out to destroy the remaining settlers. Pocahontas is tricked and is captured by the settlers and taken to Jamestown. In part 4, changes in Pocahontas are shown as she has to rid of her native culture and adapt to the settlers culture. She also marries John Rolfe, an English settler. In part 5, Pocahontas visits England with her family and grows very ill. Before she can return to Virginia she dies at the age of 21.
This book is a good depiction of the life of Pocahontas from a different view than we are used to as children. Fritz does a good job describing the events in Pocahontas' life and her eagerness to understand two different cultures. Fritz uses words such as "maybe" and "might" to show that she is making assumptions and does not know for sure. I feel that this would be a good book for students to read to better understand the story of Pocahontas from two different cultures. It shows how she was trying to live two different lives but it became to much for her. If i were to use this in a classroom, I would recommend this for older students, probably fifth-middle school ages. There is lots of text and information so I feel that older students would understand this better. They would also be able to differentiate this story and information from the tale of Pocahontas that they have heard throughout their childhood. This would be a great story for students to read who are from a different culture, living in another culture. They would be able to relate to the hardships that they may have to face, just as Pocahontas did.
This book is a good depiction of the life of Pocahontas from a different view than we are used to as children. Fritz does a good job describing the events in Pocahontas' life and her eagerness to understand two different cultures. Fritz uses words such as "maybe" and "might" to show that she is making assumptions and does not know for sure. I feel that this would be a good book for students to read to better understand the story of Pocahontas from two different cultures. It shows how she was trying to live two different lives but it became to much for her. If i were to use this in a classroom, I would recommend this for older students, probably fifth-middle school ages. There is lots of text and information so I feel that older students would understand this better. They would also be able to differentiate this story and information from the tale of Pocahontas that they have heard throughout their childhood. This would be a great story for students to read who are from a different culture, living in another culture. They would be able to relate to the hardships that they may have to face, just as Pocahontas did.
December 2, 2011
Genre: Biography
Summary: Pocahontas is an Indian Princess who once lived a life free of English settlers. One day they begin to arrive and her life changes with new people, trading, entertaining, being captured, and one day marrying one.
Critique: a) As a children’s book, a biography needs to inform, yet intrigue and interest children. This book’s vivid descriptions and focus on fun facts, intertwined with historical stories, makes children more likely to want to read history books.
The story tells of the wonders of the Indian’s lives before the settlers arrive. The focus on the setting and details of the sunset make the reader understand how peaceful their lives were before the invaders arrived. This also allows for a later comparison of their lives before and after the settles came. The story continues to detail Pocahontas’ life by talking about her father, the settlers, John Smith, and her interactions with all of them. The story continues to tell interesting facts that would make children want to continue reading.
When they talk of how happy Pocahontas is in the beginning the author tells of the wonders in nature and her desire to “greet the Sun as it rose”, with her people (Fritz, 9). Later these tiny details of simple pleasures of the Indians is replaced with a desire for beads, copper pots, and guns.
Curriculum Connection: This is a great book for children to learn the true story of Pocahontas. Her story was changed for the Disney movie and many people still do not know the true story of her. This book also tells of the hard time the settles had in making Virginia their home. The truths of this and the history included in the book, make this the perfect book for reading in a Social Studies classroom.
Summary: Pocahontas is an Indian Princess who once lived a life free of English settlers. One day they begin to arrive and her life changes with new people, trading, entertaining, being captured, and one day marrying one.
Critique: a) As a children’s book, a biography needs to inform, yet intrigue and interest children. This book’s vivid descriptions and focus on fun facts, intertwined with historical stories, makes children more likely to want to read history books.
The story tells of the wonders of the Indian’s lives before the settlers arrive. The focus on the setting and details of the sunset make the reader understand how peaceful their lives were before the invaders arrived. This also allows for a later comparison of their lives before and after the settles came. The story continues to detail Pocahontas’ life by talking about her father, the settlers, John Smith, and her interactions with all of them. The story continues to tell interesting facts that would make children want to continue reading.
When they talk of how happy Pocahontas is in the beginning the author tells of the wonders in nature and her desire to “greet the Sun as it rose”, with her people (Fritz, 9). Later these tiny details of simple pleasures of the Indians is replaced with a desire for beads, copper pots, and guns.
Curriculum Connection: This is a great book for children to learn the true story of Pocahontas. Her story was changed for the Disney movie and many people still do not know the true story of her. This book also tells of the hard time the settles had in making Virginia their home. The truths of this and the history included in the book, make this the perfect book for reading in a Social Studies classroom.
December 19, 2010
The book begins with a happy eleven-year-old Pocahontas and describes her life. She was happy about the budding time of year; about the new green and the young Pocahontas would splash in the river and play with other children her age.
But, like everyone else, Pocahontas was curious about the settlers from England. They came from a strange world, a world full of strange things that she didn't understand. And the biggest question of all was, why are they here? Were they staying? But, Pocahontas wasn't afraid of them. I believe that she really just saw it as a chance to meet new people from a strange land and experience new things.
The Double Life of Pocahontas is a short read, but filled with lots of information about the life of Pocahontas, the english settlers in Jamestown and the misunderstandings between the Native Americans and the settlers.
I know there is not much known about Pocahontas, but I do feel that in Fritz writing she captured true the personality and feelings of Pocahontas. After reading this, I feel as if I know so much more about Pocahontas, her life and how she really was. Through Fritz's writing you could feel the joy, happiness and hurt that Pocahontas must of felt.
I just want to say that I do not read history books much, or even not-fiction. I usually can't make it through history books because they don't keep my interest, but Jean Fritz can definitely write a good history book that even those who aren't into reading history will love to read.
This was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the life of Pocahontas.
But, like everyone else, Pocahontas was curious about the settlers from England. They came from a strange world, a world full of strange things that she didn't understand. And the biggest question of all was, why are they here? Were they staying? But, Pocahontas wasn't afraid of them. I believe that she really just saw it as a chance to meet new people from a strange land and experience new things.
The Double Life of Pocahontas is a short read, but filled with lots of information about the life of Pocahontas, the english settlers in Jamestown and the misunderstandings between the Native Americans and the settlers.
I know there is not much known about Pocahontas, but I do feel that in Fritz writing she captured true the personality and feelings of Pocahontas. After reading this, I feel as if I know so much more about Pocahontas, her life and how she really was. Through Fritz's writing you could feel the joy, happiness and hurt that Pocahontas must of felt.
I just want to say that I do not read history books much, or even not-fiction. I usually can't make it through history books because they don't keep my interest, but Jean Fritz can definitely write a good history book that even those who aren't into reading history will love to read.
This was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the life of Pocahontas.
November 27, 2011
Biographical
When most people think of Pocahontas they immediately think of the Disney version of the story of her life. This book gives a much more accurate picture of the hardships and struggles she experienced in her life. Unfortunately there is not much known about the life of Pocahontas and Fritz sticks to an accurate account of her life which makes the story a bit more dry than most readers are accustomed to. Throughout the book Fritz frequently uses the word "perhaps." This word choice prevents any assumptions or inaccuracies, but it is also impersonal and passive. Some readers may be encouraged to think creatively into the hearts and minds of the characters, but not much of this is done in the book.
I think this book is a great one for showing the struggle of the Indians and presenting the idea that not all settlers were good people. Many times Americans romanticize the incoming of the pilgrims when in fact they inflicted great pain upon the lives of the native peoples.
The only illustrations in the book are one full page drawing at the opening of each chapter. As a result, I would say this is definitely best suited for strong independent readers. The drawings are beautiful black and white sketches that I think really help to place the reader in the time period and situation, but the large amount of text in this 85 page book would be difficult for a student with a short reading attention span.
When most people think of Pocahontas they immediately think of the Disney version of the story of her life. This book gives a much more accurate picture of the hardships and struggles she experienced in her life. Unfortunately there is not much known about the life of Pocahontas and Fritz sticks to an accurate account of her life which makes the story a bit more dry than most readers are accustomed to. Throughout the book Fritz frequently uses the word "perhaps." This word choice prevents any assumptions or inaccuracies, but it is also impersonal and passive. Some readers may be encouraged to think creatively into the hearts and minds of the characters, but not much of this is done in the book.
I think this book is a great one for showing the struggle of the Indians and presenting the idea that not all settlers were good people. Many times Americans romanticize the incoming of the pilgrims when in fact they inflicted great pain upon the lives of the native peoples.
The only illustrations in the book are one full page drawing at the opening of each chapter. As a result, I would say this is definitely best suited for strong independent readers. The drawings are beautiful black and white sketches that I think really help to place the reader in the time period and situation, but the large amount of text in this 85 page book would be difficult for a student with a short reading attention span.
November 19, 2015
For my November book report, I read the book "The Double Life of Pocahontas", by Jean Fritz. This book was a nonfiction book. I know it was a nonfiction book, because it stated many facts about Pocahontas' life, and many important dates in her life. The setting of this book, was in Jamestown, Virginia, and at the end, London, England. The setting was also in the early 1600's. The main characters of this book was Pocahontas, her father who was the chief named Powhatan, John Smith, John Ralph, and the white English settlers. This book informed me on many events that happened in Pocahontas is life. Pocahontas was only about 10 years old when John Smith and his group of people arrived in what they named Jamestown, Virginia. John Smith was captured by Pocahontas', and was held as their hostage, who was supposed to be killed the next morning. Fortunately, Pocahontas stood up for John Smith, and saved him. Since she saved him, the tribe then "adopted" him into their tribe. However, John Smith did not believe in this kind of tradition, so he went back to Jamestown, and visited Pocahontas and her tribe frequently. I rated this book 4 stars, because it was a really interesting nonfiction book. It had many fun facts that were surprisingly fun to learn about! I recommend this book to my friends, because for nonfiction book, it is actually quite interesting. That is the book that I read for my November book report.
April 9, 2012
Jean Fritz presented Pocahonta's story in a very clear wasy so as the reader can identify or at least attempt to relate to her story. Even though the book is full of text with very few sketches representing new chapters. What Fritz did to make Pocahonta come to life on the pages, was to do reasearch on how the Indian's life was, of the time and in general. At the very begining of the book we are taken to Pocahonta's world, how she worships the son and gives thanks to the gods for each and every morning, and how she and all her trive give thanks at night as well. Knowing a little bit of her background and social life in the trive we are seeing Pocahontas in her Indian roots.
In the book we also read about John Smith who was in her life for a long time when she was young. Later unfortanitely they both part and their special bond is broken. We learn what happens in the life of pocahontas and it is a great book to compare with the fictional Disney story.
As the end of the book, Fritz provides a small epilogue where she describes what happens after Pocahonta's death and how Virginia and her Indian trive faired as time passed on, and we also learned how John Smith died and how "in the long run the Indians didn't sstand a chance." (page 85)
In the book we also read about John Smith who was in her life for a long time when she was young. Later unfortanitely they both part and their special bond is broken. We learn what happens in the life of pocahontas and it is a great book to compare with the fictional Disney story.
As the end of the book, Fritz provides a small epilogue where she describes what happens after Pocahonta's death and how Virginia and her Indian trive faired as time passed on, and we also learned how John Smith died and how "in the long run the Indians didn't sstand a chance." (page 85)
March 13, 2012
Eleven year old Pocahontas is the favorite daughter of Chief Powhatan. She is a happy child living the life of an Indian Princess. This book is a biography of her life telling both sides.....childhood under the watchful eye of Chief Powhatan and then as the wife of English colonist John Rolfe. As she grew into a young women, she lives a peaceful life until the english settlers begin to invade the Indian's land. Eventually she was captured and later married John Rolfe. This book was well written by Jean Fritz. Although there is much missing from history about the life of Pocahontas and the Indians in general, Fritz did a good job of using what we do know. In most historical books about Indians, I have found that the Englishmen have always been portrayed as the enemy. In this book, the Indians learn to live together although the Indians lives did change after the Americans arrived.
This is a great biographical picture of Pocahontas and should go over well with children. It will give children a more realistic picture of her life versus what was presented in the Disney movie.
This is a great biographical picture of Pocahontas and should go over well with children. It will give children a more realistic picture of her life versus what was presented in the Disney movie.
October 22, 2007
I wasn't too excited when I first saw this book: I was expected to read it with a 5th grade reading circle, and the text was very, very dense. However, once we got into it, everyone in the group was really interested and invested in Pocahontas's story. Fritz does a wonderful job employing primary and secondary sources, giving the reader actual words from John Smith's diaries and Jamestown documents. It's not fictionalized or dramatized at all, but still the story is so dramatic, the kids couldn't wait to see how it ended. OF course all who were fans of the Disnified movie version of Pocahontas's story were baffled and depressed to learn what her life was really like. It was difficult for them to believe how she was betrayed by first one group (her family) then the other (the English), sometimes by turns. The Double Life also gives a really good summary of the sniping and crazy politicking that went on within the settlement. I think this is a great book for teaching a more truthful and balanced version of the Pocahontas and Jamestown story.
May 21, 2013
NATIVE AMERICAN WOMAN IN TWO WORLDS
This slim volume can easily be read in one sitting--which should appeal to elementary children. It presents much information about the life of this remarkable Native America woman (beyond Disney). Fritz presents both sides (natives and settlers) with dignity and justice. She uses journals and diaries as sources for historical accuracy--filling in the rest with such statements as, "Pocahontas probably would have done this or said that." Her deductions are based strictly on the recorded details of Pocahontas' life.
So whom did she really marry and whatever happened to her son? Why did John Smith avoid seeing her in London? How did this modest young woman of quiet dignity and a deep personsl sense of morality conquer London Society? How could she reconcile her tribe's values and appreciation for nature when confronted by the sham, greed and arrogance of White Man's culture? This book is a concise but interesting read about a
Native American Ambassadress of Peace.
(April 25, 2013. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
This slim volume can easily be read in one sitting--which should appeal to elementary children. It presents much information about the life of this remarkable Native America woman (beyond Disney). Fritz presents both sides (natives and settlers) with dignity and justice. She uses journals and diaries as sources for historical accuracy--filling in the rest with such statements as, "Pocahontas probably would have done this or said that." Her deductions are based strictly on the recorded details of Pocahontas' life.
So whom did she really marry and whatever happened to her son? Why did John Smith avoid seeing her in London? How did this modest young woman of quiet dignity and a deep personsl sense of morality conquer London Society? How could she reconcile her tribe's values and appreciation for nature when confronted by the sham, greed and arrogance of White Man's culture? This book is a concise but interesting read about a
Native American Ambassadress of Peace.
(April 25, 2013. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
January 13, 2009
so basicly this book is about a girl named pocohantes who falls in love with a english settler. pocahontes is really curious about his clothes and his accent. he asked id her land her land had gold but she looked at it and with one stare she saw that she never saw such beautiful piece of thing before
they couldnt be together as pocahontes would say. they were from differnt places had differnt cultures and didnt know any of each others language. one day them to were fishing in the river bank when they were discovered by one of the soldiers of pocahontes tribe. her was going to kill him when pocahantas said no but then came the leader of the all the settlers, he came and killed catwu the man who tried to kill john.
i recomend this book to people who love history and stuff that happened back then. 9in really enjoyed thid book that i read it 3 times.
they couldnt be together as pocahontes would say. they were from differnt places had differnt cultures and didnt know any of each others language. one day them to were fishing in the river bank when they were discovered by one of the soldiers of pocahontes tribe. her was going to kill him when pocahantas said no but then came the leader of the all the settlers, he came and killed catwu the man who tried to kill john.
i recomend this book to people who love history and stuff that happened back then. 9in really enjoyed thid book that i read it 3 times.
April 23, 2012
Pocahontas is an Indian Princess who once lived a life free of English settlers. One day they begin to arrive and her life changes with new people, trading, entertaining, being captured, and one day marrying one.
This book is interesting to young readers because most children already know about her because of the Disney movie. yes the reader can identify with Pocahontas because she has the conflict of choosing family vs love. this is a dilemma for a lot of people. the details seem to very accurate and the book is very authentic. the book really catches the readers attention because it is full of the conflict of what she is going to do about john smith.
This book was average. i found some parts interesting but then others boring. I would consider using this in my classroom only because students would learn a lot from it. The book would be great to use with a history chapter.
This book is interesting to young readers because most children already know about her because of the Disney movie. yes the reader can identify with Pocahontas because she has the conflict of choosing family vs love. this is a dilemma for a lot of people. the details seem to very accurate and the book is very authentic. the book really catches the readers attention because it is full of the conflict of what she is going to do about john smith.
This book was average. i found some parts interesting but then others boring. I would consider using this in my classroom only because students would learn a lot from it. The book would be great to use with a history chapter.
March 11, 2014
In this short biography, Fritz stayed close to known facts of Pocahontas's life. Because of this, the book deals with the lives of others, and with strict history, because so little is known directly of Pocahontas. Fritz used words such as "might, would, perhaps" to try to "get inside" Pocahontas's head and lets us know that what follows those words is speculation that fits with what facts are known.
The charcoal-style pictures give the feel of "fuzziness" that the author may have had in trying to find out about Pocahontas.
Notes at the end of the book explain parts of the text. There is also a bibliography.
The charcoal-style pictures give the feel of "fuzziness" that the author may have had in trying to find out about Pocahontas.
Notes at the end of the book explain parts of the text. There is also a bibliography.
January 16, 2009
Jean Fritz begins The Double Life of Pocahontas by describing the happy life of eleven-year-old Pocahontas, who was the favorite daughter of her father, Chief Powhatan. Fritz writes not only about Pocahontas but also about the lack of understanding between the English settlers and the Native Americans. The settlers found the native way of life strange and uncivilized. The book actually discusses important things about so many different things in this world. Also I think it’s trying to show and teaching us some type of lesson base on the story I have read. So I think it’s a very good story.
July 2, 2015
As this is the first "true history" book about the actual events concerning the founding of the Virginia colony and how Pocahontas factored into it, I appreciate having had the chance to read this. As a Canadian, I have not even and the benefit of the (surely altered/sanitized) American school version of the history. I read the audio version, and I felt that the style issues some other reviewers complained about were not an issue in the listening. This was worth the time it took to get through it, I think.
September 11, 2009
I read this book for school because I am doing a comparative report on this book and another about Pocahontas. I thought that his book was good, it was just a little bit dry. Because there was a lot of "Pocahontas might have felt" or "She probably decided" and stuff like that. I find that it makes the book much more exciting if the author is clear on most everything... but that's depending on the book. But, I would definitely recommend it to people!
June 16, 2010
I'm not a big one for non-fiction but this was interesting to listen to. I am not very familiar with the story of Pocahontas but I feel like this book taught me a lot about her story and the story of the early settlers in Virginia. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical non-fiction although I probably wouldn't recommend the audio book because the narrator wasn't very interesting and her voice was monotone.
Read
March 18, 2011We watched Disney's Pocahontas a few weeks ago (the kids first time), and it intrigued me to find out if Disney was even close to the real story, so I picked up this book (among other sources, of course). Turns out Disney got it mostly wrong (with a few accurate things sprinkled in). Surprised? No. Just glad that Disney hasn't attempted another similar historical film since and has stuck to fairy tales.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews