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Unsolved Mysteries from History
Roanoke: The Lost Colony--An Unsolved Mystery from History
In 1587 John White was chosen by Sir Walter Raleigh to lead a new colony at Roanoke off the Atlantic coast. After bringing many men, women, and children to the new land, White went back to England to gather supplies for the long winter. But when he finally returned to the fort almost three years later, he found that all of the colonists had vanished. The only signs of life left were the letters CRO carved into a tree and the word CROATOAN carved into one of the fort's posts. Some people think that the Spanish army captured the colonists; some people think that the local native people murdered them; others think that the colonists went off to live with the native people and start a new life. Still others think that the colonists tried to sail home to England and were lost at sea. No one knows for sure. Become a detective as you read this true story, study the clues, and try to figure out the fate of the lost colony of Roanoke. The Unsolved Mystery from History series is written by acclaimed author Jane Yolen and former private investigator Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple. Read carefully and check your clues. You might be the first to solve a puzzle that has baffled people for years.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
12 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Jane Yolen
972 books3,238 followersJane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 5, 2010
When I was twelve my memorable eighth grade history teacher (Miss Sobolewski) told our class about the birth of Virginia Dare, believed to be the first English child born in what is now the US (she probably said first white child). Dare's parents were part of the Roanoke colony that landed on an island off what is now North Carolina in 1587. I was fascinated by this story but I was horrified when my teacher told us that the colony disappeared and no one knew what had happened into, but the colonists were believed to have died. I was haunted by that story for many years until a few years ago I discovered that there is indeed a great deal of credible scholarship about the Roanoke colony, and more than one theory about what happened to them.
These theories are presented in picture book format in_Roanoke The Lost Colony: An Unsolved Mystery from History_, by Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi. The text gives a simple explanation (Lexile measure of 850)of the known history of the colony, but it is framed in a fictional account of a little girl trying to solve a mystery, like her detective father. This frame seems unnecessary and distracting to me, but the irritatingly coy device allows the narrator to say she has decided on the answer, but to refuse to state any definitive conclusion at the end of the book. Despite this glaring (in my opinion) weakness, I've given the book four stars because it does make a complex and (as I have told you) haunting subject accessible to children, and because the watercolor and pencilillustrations are meticulously detailed and breathtakingly vivid. (There is a nice note from the artist about the technique.) Also, there is a bibliography including such sources such as: _The Lumbee_ by Adolph Dial, _Roanoke: the Abandoned Colony_ by Karen Kupperman, and _Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes_ by Carl Waldman. Acknowledgements include one to Joseph Bruchac, well known writer of many children's books about Indians. I am surprised the authors did not include _Roanoke : Solving the Mystery of the
Lost Colony_ by Lee Miller in their bibliography. But the handsomely designed children's book adapted from that book, _Roanoke : the Mystery of the Lost Colony_, was published in 2007, well after the Yolen book. The adapted Miller book gives a more detailed account of the scholarship.
Some fiction books for older children based on this event are: _The Lyon's Roar_, and its sequels by M. L. Stainer; "_Cate of the Lost Colony_ by Lisa Klein; and_Sabotaged_, by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
These theories are presented in picture book format in_Roanoke The Lost Colony: An Unsolved Mystery from History_, by Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi. The text gives a simple explanation (Lexile measure of 850)of the known history of the colony, but it is framed in a fictional account of a little girl trying to solve a mystery, like her detective father. This frame seems unnecessary and distracting to me, but the irritatingly coy device allows the narrator to say she has decided on the answer, but to refuse to state any definitive conclusion at the end of the book. Despite this glaring (in my opinion) weakness, I've given the book four stars because it does make a complex and (as I have told you) haunting subject accessible to children, and because the watercolor and pencilillustrations are meticulously detailed and breathtakingly vivid. (There is a nice note from the artist about the technique.) Also, there is a bibliography including such sources such as: _The Lumbee_ by Adolph Dial, _Roanoke: the Abandoned Colony_ by Karen Kupperman, and _Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes_ by Carl Waldman. Acknowledgements include one to Joseph Bruchac, well known writer of many children's books about Indians. I am surprised the authors did not include _Roanoke : Solving the Mystery of the
Lost Colony_ by Lee Miller in their bibliography. But the handsomely designed children's book adapted from that book, _Roanoke : the Mystery of the Lost Colony_, was published in 2007, well after the Yolen book. The adapted Miller book gives a more detailed account of the scholarship.
Some fiction books for older children based on this event are: _The Lyon's Roar_, and its sequels by M. L. Stainer; "_Cate of the Lost Colony_ by Lisa Klein; and_Sabotaged_, by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
June 11, 2020
As I kid, I was fascinated with the lost colony of Roanoke. I already know I would have read this book approximately 157 times. It presents the theories relatively well. The framing of the daughter investigating to be like her dad, and the cop-out ending of< "I know what I think, but I'm not going to tell you" bugged me, though.
December 1, 2009
In this non-fiction picture book, a young girl tries to solve one of the great mysteries from history-- the lost colony of Roanoke. The unique format of this book consists of three distinct text boxes on each two-page spread: a chronological description of the history, background information pertaining to that history, and vocabulary words. The watercolor illustrations depict the colony and its settlers in vivid detail and add drama to the sometimes choppy text ("White was wounded twice in hand-to-hand combat. All of the colonists' supplies were stolen. They limped back to England.").
Although the narrative to be lacks Jane Yolen's usual lyricism, Roanoke: The Lost Colony is a good book for young readers wanting an introduction to the history of Roanoke. The brief text, combined with explanatory notes and terms, provides enough information to spark the imagination. Furthermore, the inclusion of the five most common theories of how the colony disappeared allows readers to play detective with the young narrator, encouraging children to think about history in a new way. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Although the narrative to be lacks Jane Yolen's usual lyricism, Roanoke: The Lost Colony is a good book for young readers wanting an introduction to the history of Roanoke. The brief text, combined with explanatory notes and terms, provides enough information to spark the imagination. Furthermore, the inclusion of the five most common theories of how the colony disappeared allows readers to play detective with the young narrator, encouraging children to think about history in a new way. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
April 29, 2013
This is an entertaining book that explores the mystery of the lost settlement of Roanoke. It's a topic that has come up several times in the course of our girls studies at school and it certainly is a fascinating mystery.
This book presents a background of the circumstances of the disappearance, a timeline, and evidence that supports or contradicts some of the more popular theories about what happened. The illustrations are wonderful and complement the narrative nicely.
I like that the main character challenges children to solve some of history's mysteries, using research and critical thinking to create theories that can be tested. And I especially love that the young girl was ambitious and determined to work hard, do a lot of research and solve this mystery herself.
We found this book at the Jamestown Settlement Museum gift shop and we bought it as a souvenir. I love that our girls get excited to read nonfiction books, and books like this certainly aren't boring. We really enjoyed reading this book together and then donated it to our local library after we read it.
This book presents a background of the circumstances of the disappearance, a timeline, and evidence that supports or contradicts some of the more popular theories about what happened. The illustrations are wonderful and complement the narrative nicely.
I like that the main character challenges children to solve some of history's mysteries, using research and critical thinking to create theories that can be tested. And I especially love that the young girl was ambitious and determined to work hard, do a lot of research and solve this mystery herself.
We found this book at the Jamestown Settlement Museum gift shop and we bought it as a souvenir. I love that our girls get excited to read nonfiction books, and books like this certainly aren't boring. We really enjoyed reading this book together and then donated it to our local library after we read it.
September 29, 2021
This is an excellently written picture book and resource. It gave so much more information than the textbook and really engaged my fifth grade students in the history. It gave theories, timelines, and definitions, as well as the facts. My students and I also really enjoyed the illustrations.
August 9, 2012
When I saw Jane Yolen’s name on this picture book, I knew I had to have it. I was not disappointed. It invites you to become a detective to study the clues and develop your own theories about what happened to those missing colonists. Straightforward text presents the facts of the story, with a focus on the main characters involved: Sir Walter Raleigh, John White, Manteo, and Eleanor Dare. Sidebars give additional information and define key terms. I loved the illustrations, which which capture the flavor of Elizabethan England and show both the beauty and harshness of this new world. The end presents five of the most popular theories to explain the disappearance of the colonists. The best news of all? This book is just one of a series of books which explores unexplained mysteries from history!
March 13, 2022
The premise is great, but the story is hard to follow. I think in an effort to not overload young readers with unfamiliar history, the authors gave too little. There are many key players in the action, but most of them appear for just one page. There's little explanation of the reasoning/context for their actions.
A map of the area being discussed would have been a big help.
The book could be a good addition to classroom/homeschool study of the era.
A map of the area being discussed would have been a big help.
The book could be a good addition to classroom/homeschool study of the era.
July 14, 2014
I rather liked the way Yolen wrote this: with a young investigator taking notes as she examines the story, and working through the theories of what might have happened. Because nothing has been proved, I don't at all mind that the end is left on a questioning note: what do you think happened?
Library copy
Library copy
April 12, 2015
This is neat. The conceit behind it is a notebook by a girl who wants to be a detective. She and her father focus on history mysteries. She presents the facts and then the theories, finally asks the reader (or in my case the listener), what she thinks. Well done. Enjoyable for an adult but written for children.
November 30, 2020
An interesting book. There should be a lot more books about the colonies and those times, the first thanksgiving in Saint Augustine, the Spanish and French colonies. When we do learn something, it is mostly only about the English. And this is not only a country of English.
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December 2, 2019Roanoke, The Lost Colony is a mystery book that presents the facts known about the disappearance of the colonists at Roanoke in North Carolina. It begins with John White leading a group of colonists to settle on the shores at Roanoke, before returning to England for more supplies. When he returns to the colony, everyone has disappeared. The book is set up with “detective notes” that students can follow as they go through various pieces of evidence. It also includes vocabulary and definitions so that students can follow the research provided. In the end, authors Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple give readers five theories about the fate of the lost colonists, so that they can form an opinion themselves.
This is a WOW book for me because I am from North Carolina and the Lost Colony has always been one of my favorite historical topics. I love that this account allows the readers to become detectives as well; it takes the facts that historians and researchers have gathered for several centuries, and combined them with different theories. Students have the ability to choose one of the theories that makes the most sense to them.
I would use this in second through fifth grade classes to teach about the history behind the research, but also to have students learn to complete informative and persuasive writings. Students can give the facts about the disappearances in an informative piece, and then support one of the theories is a persuasive piece. In kindergarten and first grade, this book can still be used as a read aloud for students to talk about what might have happened to the colonists. I would not use this book with middle or high school students due to the format. The information would still be useful, but the book is formatted for younger readers.
This is a WOW book for me because I am from North Carolina and the Lost Colony has always been one of my favorite historical topics. I love that this account allows the readers to become detectives as well; it takes the facts that historians and researchers have gathered for several centuries, and combined them with different theories. Students have the ability to choose one of the theories that makes the most sense to them.
I would use this in second through fifth grade classes to teach about the history behind the research, but also to have students learn to complete informative and persuasive writings. Students can give the facts about the disappearances in an informative piece, and then support one of the theories is a persuasive piece. In kindergarten and first grade, this book can still be used as a read aloud for students to talk about what might have happened to the colonists. I would not use this book with middle or high school students due to the format. The information would still be useful, but the book is formatted for younger readers.
September 27, 2019
Where did the Lost Colony go? In this historical fiction picture book by Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple it explains all the settlements, what we think happened to the last Roanoke colony and all the important people involved.
There was a man named John White who was a loyal Englishman and artist. He was chosen to lead the colony by Sir Walter Raleigh. One man by the name of Manteo who had never sailed with English but would keep them safe. The colonists left on April 26, 1587 to go to Chesapeake Bay, north of Roanoke. The land was and harbor was safer there. When they got to Roanoke everything was razed and nothing was left but deer gazing right in their eyes and a single skeleton. Then one day a man went fishing alone and was later found dead with arrows in him everywhere. The colonists were starting to suspect it was the Indians.
They then surprised attacked the people they thought who killed him in the middle of the night. But were they wrong, and not only that they had made a…terrible…mistake. They were the friendly Croatoans. On August 18th the first English child born in America however they were running out of supplies fast. Nine days later on August 27th, White set sail back to England. There were many problems on the way to England delaying the trip. Five months later. Nothing was there in the settlement. No buildings, skeletons, people, no signs of anything. Except the word CRO carved into a tree.
There was a man named John White who was a loyal Englishman and artist. He was chosen to lead the colony by Sir Walter Raleigh. One man by the name of Manteo who had never sailed with English but would keep them safe. The colonists left on April 26, 1587 to go to Chesapeake Bay, north of Roanoke. The land was and harbor was safer there. When they got to Roanoke everything was razed and nothing was left but deer gazing right in their eyes and a single skeleton. Then one day a man went fishing alone and was later found dead with arrows in him everywhere. The colonists were starting to suspect it was the Indians.
They then surprised attacked the people they thought who killed him in the middle of the night. But were they wrong, and not only that they had made a…terrible…mistake. They were the friendly Croatoans. On August 18th the first English child born in America however they were running out of supplies fast. Nine days later on August 27th, White set sail back to England. There were many problems on the way to England delaying the trip. Five months later. Nothing was there in the settlement. No buildings, skeletons, people, no signs of anything. Except the word CRO carved into a tree.
May 1, 2018
Awards Received: None
Appropriate grade level(s): Second Grade to Fifth Grade
Summary: Roanoke: The Lost Colony follows John White on his search to lead a new colony in Roanoke. John White brought many people to this colony but when he returned with supplies he found that they all vanished.
My review: Roanoke: The Lost Colony is an intriguing mystery that really makes you think about what happens when you move to a new colony. The illustrations are very detailed and give insight to what colonies look like in the late 1500’s.
1-2 Possible in-class uses: Roanoke: The Lost Colony can be used when discussing exploration throughout history. Students can also play as the characters in the book to help understand how each person felt during the exploration. It will show students how scary it is to go to a new destination and how much effort is put into making that destination a community.
Appropriate grade level(s): Second Grade to Fifth Grade
Summary: Roanoke: The Lost Colony follows John White on his search to lead a new colony in Roanoke. John White brought many people to this colony but when he returned with supplies he found that they all vanished.
My review: Roanoke: The Lost Colony is an intriguing mystery that really makes you think about what happens when you move to a new colony. The illustrations are very detailed and give insight to what colonies look like in the late 1500’s.
1-2 Possible in-class uses: Roanoke: The Lost Colony can be used when discussing exploration throughout history. Students can also play as the characters in the book to help understand how each person felt during the exploration. It will show students how scary it is to go to a new destination and how much effort is put into making that destination a community.
September 15, 2018
Summary -- In 1857 colonist settled on a new colony at Roanoke off the Atlantic coast. After stinging the land, their leader returned to England to gather supplies for the Winter. When he returned a few years later the colonist he left behind had vanished. The only sing on them were the letters "CRO" carved into a nearby tree. What happened to the colonists is a mystery, but the text allows students to become a detective as they discover clues about this true story.
Evaluation -- This text engaged students from the very first page. They are very interested in the unsolved mystery and use the clues to come up with their own ideas of what could've happened to the lost colony.
Teaching Points -- I think this text could be used when teaching about colonization. It is a very interesting story line that accurately portrays what these colonist could've gone through. It also challenges students to think critically about what could've happened to the lost colony.
Evaluation -- This text engaged students from the very first page. They are very interested in the unsolved mystery and use the clues to come up with their own ideas of what could've happened to the lost colony.
Teaching Points -- I think this text could be used when teaching about colonization. It is a very interesting story line that accurately portrays what these colonist could've gone through. It also challenges students to think critically about what could've happened to the lost colony.
January 24, 2023
The pictures are the nicest thing about this book (imo). It's a quick read, but not enough background information for students to really know what was going on. It gives surfacy explanations (with distracting side bars all the time that try to give more conext) and there are no maps to give kids any idea of where the places mentioned in the book are. The writing is also not the best - it's almost like poetry, but not quite. It's not enough information for older kids (imo), but if you want a book for younger children (grades 1-3?) to learn about the story, then it will suffice. I actually read this book years ago in our homeschool, but at this point have decided it's not the best option for the story of Roanoke. Having said that, it's not terrible, either. ;-) The mystery is likely to engage young learners.
June 24, 2017
My 7 and 5 year old children listened intently to the story, as we are preparing for a "field trip" to Roanoke Island, NC. I read only the story part of the book and ignored the additional information and most of the definitions that were provided. These would be more helpful for an older child, but I chose to have my children ask me when they had any questions about what we were reading. I may later read those additional parts with my 7 year old.
The story was well done and got right to the main facts. I also like the insight into five of the theories people have of what happened to the colonists. It was fun hearing from my children what they think really happened, and I am glad this book was able to open up that discussion.
The story was well done and got right to the main facts. I also like the insight into five of the theories people have of what happened to the colonists. It was fun hearing from my children what they think really happened, and I am glad this book was able to open up that discussion.
September 27, 2019
The book “ROANOKE the Lost Colony” by Jane Yolen and Heidi Yolen Stemple and illustrated by Roger Roth
This book is about the possible colony back in 1590, ROANOKE the lost colony goes in depth of most of the issues faced in 1590. This story is about a girl who wants to be a detective and is trying to finish the cold case of Roanoke’s mysteries disappearances. The main character remained anonymous and is a kid.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a hope of a higher dream or someone that likes unsolved history mysteries. I would recommend Roanoke the lost colony because it talks about a girl who wants to answer the question on where they went or how they went missing.
This book is about the possible colony back in 1590, ROANOKE the lost colony goes in depth of most of the issues faced in 1590. This story is about a girl who wants to be a detective and is trying to finish the cold case of Roanoke’s mysteries disappearances. The main character remained anonymous and is a kid.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a hope of a higher dream or someone that likes unsolved history mysteries. I would recommend Roanoke the lost colony because it talks about a girl who wants to answer the question on where they went or how they went missing.
September 27, 2019
ROANOKE The Lost Colony By: Jane Yolen
The book is very historically accurate for what I've heard. Not to mention it showed me theories I've never even heard of. Jane Yolen perfectly retold the story of Roanoke with extra side notes. This book also has little definitions of to the side so you know what a certain word means. I'm just saying if you like strange mysteries from history definitely check this out. If you’re a social studies or ELA teacher you could read this to your students.
The book is very historically accurate for what I've heard. Not to mention it showed me theories I've never even heard of. Jane Yolen perfectly retold the story of Roanoke with extra side notes. This book also has little definitions of to the side so you know what a certain word means. I'm just saying if you like strange mysteries from history definitely check this out. If you’re a social studies or ELA teacher you could read this to your students.
January 13, 2018
This book was great for showing the kids how to try to solve a mystery. We had fun discussing it! Not the best read-a-loud but would recommend it for the deductive reasoning skills it inspires..krb 1/12/18
October 14, 2020
I think this book would be great for a read-aloud. It’s a short story that can be presented many questions during read-aloud, also it keeps the students engaged wondering what happened to the people of Roanoke.
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January 26, 2024A quick read about events leading up to the mysterious"disappearance" of a colony, on Roanoke Island off the coast of NC. I was not familiar with this event until a a year or so ago, after driving across Roanoke Island and seeing historical markers. It's still a mystery!
January 26, 2018
The mystery continues. Geared towards young readers.
June 17, 2018
A good and balanced look at a historical mystery.
June 27, 2018
Good overview of facts.
July 28, 2018
Research project
February 25, 2019
One of the first books concerning history I ever read back in middle school. It was probably responsible for my life long love of history and I'm very thankful for that.
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June 4, 2019This book explores the legend of the lost colony of Roanoke. In 1590, when John White returns to Roanoke from Britain, the colony has vanished.
January 15, 2021
I did not finish this book. It was written very choppily and the sentence structure almost made it look like poetry rather than paragraphs.
December 7, 2021
Enjoyable, though the mystery part did not grab the reader in this book as much as expected
June 25, 2022
Very poorly written, choppy style with distracting notes all over. Nothing drew me in. Nothing at all beautiful like Owl Moon. Disappointing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews