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Tapenum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times:
Explores the life of Tapenum, a Wampanoag Indian boy in the 1620s.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
5 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Kate Waters
35 books6 followersAuthor Kate Waters went on to earn a B.A. from Newtown College of the Sacred Heart (Boston College) and a M.L.S. from Simmons' Graduate School of Library and Information Science. She grew up in a big family in which storytelling was very important. She worked as a librarian for ten years at the Boston Public Library. There she became very interested in telling stories to young people and finding out what they enjoyed reading. She moved to New York where she worked on a children's magazine. While working at the magazine, she started to think about new ways to present history and traditions to children. Her books include pictures of actors depicting the stories Kate writes. In addition, her books have been praised for their content and have won many awards. Kate currently lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 27, 2020
Reviewed by Homeschooler Lily, age 9,
Tapenum's Day caught my eye when I saw it. It looked neat from the cover, but the inside was way more then good. It was great! Thinking that it's how Indians lived, it surprised me with facts I had not learned yet. I enjoy those books in general, but this one was just great. I loved this book, and think you should read it too!
Tapenum's Day caught my eye when I saw it. It looked neat from the cover, but the inside was way more then good. It was great! Thinking that it's how Indians lived, it surprised me with facts I had not learned yet. I enjoy those books in general, but this one was just great. I loved this book, and think you should read it too!
February 25, 2020
The Wampanoag tribes were the Native Americans that lived in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island when the pilgrims landed. When spring arrived, they moved to their summer residence where they hunted, fished and raised crops such as corn. After the harvest when the frosts came, they took their harvest and moved inland among the forest where they would be shielded from some of the harshest weather.
At the time when this story was to have taken place, there was tension between the settlers and the Wampanoag, although there was no overt hostilities. Generally, the two groups went their separate ways and had minimal interaction. There are hints that the settlers were growing corn by this time, although there is no explicit statement regarding to how long they have been there.
The story is told via a combination of photographs of modern Wampanoag and text, the main character is a Wampanoag boy named Tapenum and he is depicted in the native dress of an animal skin loincloth. The other boy and the adults are also dressed in animal cloth. Tapenum is disappointed because he was not selected for the initiation to become a warrior. He plans on working harder to develop his body and to be a better hunter.
Many words from the Wampanoag language are used in the text, making it a bit of a language lesson to go along with the history. This is an excellent book for elementary school study of the other side of the story of the pilgrims.
At the time when this story was to have taken place, there was tension between the settlers and the Wampanoag, although there was no overt hostilities. Generally, the two groups went their separate ways and had minimal interaction. There are hints that the settlers were growing corn by this time, although there is no explicit statement regarding to how long they have been there.
The story is told via a combination of photographs of modern Wampanoag and text, the main character is a Wampanoag boy named Tapenum and he is depicted in the native dress of an animal skin loincloth. The other boy and the adults are also dressed in animal cloth. Tapenum is disappointed because he was not selected for the initiation to become a warrior. He plans on working harder to develop his body and to be a better hunter.
Many words from the Wampanoag language are used in the text, making it a bit of a language lesson to go along with the history. This is an excellent book for elementary school study of the other side of the story of the pilgrims.
December 16, 2021
I was disappointed with this; it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I expected the way of life of the tribe and historical details of the time of the first thanksgiving. Instead it’s about a boy who wants to be a warrior but he didn’t make it. He tried to prove himself but has to overcome some personal laziness and lack of control.
For instance, he had said before that he would get stronger and better at hunting, but he’s serious now. And it was best not to eat before hunting but he grew impatient and was too hungry to wait, so he ate then. He shot too early at a rabbit and hit a tree and broke the arrow. He couldn’t focus on hunting and was tired just from shooting a squirrel and rabbit while his dad had shot a turkey.
He came upon an old man in the woods who was a warrior and has him show him how to fletch arrows. He got onto him for not being patient enough. He mentioned the whites and the old man said there’s room for all. He stayed the night with him and was planning to become a warrior.
It was interesting that they called the strangers coat-men.
It was best to hunt before the first meal so the hunter would be more serious.
It was interesting that people today have gained more practical knowledge of the Wampanoag than the early colonists did. They learned little about them and it was limited to raising native crops and travel.
The plantation has a family that lives there year round. They share the culture and live like the old ways but not as characters acting, as themselves from the perspective now.
The pniese was a warrior counselor. All men were expected to defend their community if needed, but the pniesog were set apart by their spiritual power and physical strength. The spirit beings gave them special powers. Boys chosen for initiation were taken from their families and trained in a group. Training was very hard and they had to endure physical challenges and competitions like running through thorny bushes and running through a kind of gauntlet where their legs were beaten. The strongest boys were chosen and had to undergo a fasting ritual. The pniesog advised the chief and were sent as delegates to other communities including European settlements to mediate differences and were examples to young children.
For instance, he had said before that he would get stronger and better at hunting, but he’s serious now. And it was best not to eat before hunting but he grew impatient and was too hungry to wait, so he ate then. He shot too early at a rabbit and hit a tree and broke the arrow. He couldn’t focus on hunting and was tired just from shooting a squirrel and rabbit while his dad had shot a turkey.
He came upon an old man in the woods who was a warrior and has him show him how to fletch arrows. He got onto him for not being patient enough. He mentioned the whites and the old man said there’s room for all. He stayed the night with him and was planning to become a warrior.
It was interesting that they called the strangers coat-men.
It was best to hunt before the first meal so the hunter would be more serious.
It was interesting that people today have gained more practical knowledge of the Wampanoag than the early colonists did. They learned little about them and it was limited to raising native crops and travel.
The plantation has a family that lives there year round. They share the culture and live like the old ways but not as characters acting, as themselves from the perspective now.
The pniese was a warrior counselor. All men were expected to defend their community if needed, but the pniesog were set apart by their spiritual power and physical strength. The spirit beings gave them special powers. Boys chosen for initiation were taken from their families and trained in a group. Training was very hard and they had to endure physical challenges and competitions like running through thorny bushes and running through a kind of gauntlet where their legs were beaten. The strongest boys were chosen and had to undergo a fasting ritual. The pniesog advised the chief and were sent as delegates to other communities including European settlements to mediate differences and were examples to young children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2023
Pluses: This book involved consulted with the Wampanoag family that lives on the Plimoth site, and the character is portrayed by an actual Wampanoag person.
But this just isn't that impressive, makes few explanations for the cultural reasons for some of the things he does, and feels a little like it focuses on everything this kid does wrong, unlike Waters' Pilgrim books in this same series.
But this just isn't that impressive, makes few explanations for the cultural reasons for some of the things he does, and feels a little like it focuses on everything this kid does wrong, unlike Waters' Pilgrim books in this same series.
December 5, 2023
The title is misleading. This had nothing to do with the pilgrims. The colony is mentioned but they never meet. It’s this presence they’re aware of but they don’t come into contact with the pilgrims, and this has nothing to do with thanksgiving like I assumed.
What kind of ending was that? It didn’t even finish with him becoming a pniese!
He sees Mosq in the sky, the bear and the three hunters. I’m not sure which constellation that is.
I liked the view of Wampanoag life.
They call white people wautaconuoag, coat-men.
Pniesog are warriors and advisors to the sachem, the chief. They’re strong, skillful, wise, and kind. They chose boys for initiation who are strong in mind and body.
Waban, the older man building a canoe, says “You are impatient. Wisdom of spirit and strength of body take a long time to achieve. Every small thing you learn must be learned well. Otherwise you will have cracks like a hastily made mishoon.”
“There is enough land for all people.”
I was surprised he stayed with him overnight. Wouldn’t his parents be worried about him?
There’s also info at the end about their culture.
What kind of ending was that? It didn’t even finish with him becoming a pniese!
He sees Mosq in the sky, the bear and the three hunters. I’m not sure which constellation that is.
I liked the view of Wampanoag life.
They call white people wautaconuoag, coat-men.
Pniesog are warriors and advisors to the sachem, the chief. They’re strong, skillful, wise, and kind. They chose boys for initiation who are strong in mind and body.
Waban, the older man building a canoe, says “You are impatient. Wisdom of spirit and strength of body take a long time to achieve. Every small thing you learn must be learned well. Otherwise you will have cracks like a hastily made mishoon.”
“There is enough land for all people.”
I was surprised he stayed with him overnight. Wouldn’t his parents be worried about him?
There’s also info at the end about their culture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2016
This series was a big hit with L in particular. Photos of present day reenactments of the lives of children at Plimouth Plantation in the mid 1620s. Read all three to compare and contrast.
Titles include
Tapenum's Day
Sarah Morton's Day
Samuel Eaton's Day
Titles include
Tapenum's Day
Sarah Morton's Day
Samuel Eaton's Day
November 28, 2017
Genre: Autobiography
Grade: 2nd-5th
This book has amazing photographs that support the text as well as includes some of the language of the Wampanoag Indians.
Grade: 2nd-5th
This book has amazing photographs that support the text as well as includes some of the language of the Wampanoag Indians.
November 12, 2021
Cool insight into a young Indian boys day during the time of the colonies. Pictures help the kids better understand.
April 13, 2022
Love the photo format!
November 15, 2014
I'll admit it. This is my favorite of Kate Waters' historical reenactment series. It tells a story about Tapenum, a Wampanoag boy in the 1620's, who finds to his chagrin that he has been passed over for the important role of pniese, or warrior counselor. He determines to discipline himself, training both body and mind toward the virtues of strength, quietness, patience, and wisdom. At the end of the day he finds an older man to mentor him.
The story takes place on the Wampanoag Homesite attached to Plimoth Plantation and, like the rest of the series, features photographs of reenactors in period dress. Perhaps because most of the photographs are taken outdoors, their quality is better than that of the other books. The afterword makes the point that the Wampanoag culture is a living one -- all the reenactors at the village are Wampanoag or members of other Native tribes. Unlike Pilgrim reenactors, they do not take on historical Wampanoag personas. Rather, they speak to visitors as their modern selves while explaining how the Wampanoag used to live.
Even if you're not particularly interested in Native American history and culture, this book rounds out the series by providing a short glimpse into what life was like for the majority of people in this country at the time the Pilgrims arrived. Additionally, Tapenum, young as he is, is focused on mastering the virtues that define manhood in his society. He's likable and worthy of emulation.
Some readers will want to be alerted that the period dress exposes more of the body than some children's books. Women and girls wear modest off-the-shoulder dresses, and males wear loincloths that show their torsos, legs, and hips.
The story takes place on the Wampanoag Homesite attached to Plimoth Plantation and, like the rest of the series, features photographs of reenactors in period dress. Perhaps because most of the photographs are taken outdoors, their quality is better than that of the other books. The afterword makes the point that the Wampanoag culture is a living one -- all the reenactors at the village are Wampanoag or members of other Native tribes. Unlike Pilgrim reenactors, they do not take on historical Wampanoag personas. Rather, they speak to visitors as their modern selves while explaining how the Wampanoag used to live.
Even if you're not particularly interested in Native American history and culture, this book rounds out the series by providing a short glimpse into what life was like for the majority of people in this country at the time the Pilgrims arrived. Additionally, Tapenum, young as he is, is focused on mastering the virtues that define manhood in his society. He's likable and worthy of emulation.
Some readers will want to be alerted that the period dress exposes more of the body than some children's books. Women and girls wear modest off-the-shoulder dresses, and males wear loincloths that show their torsos, legs, and hips.
November 17, 2012
This book is a wonderful look into the historic life of a Wampanoag Native American boy in the 1600s. The information is explained to be taken from a historic look at writings from the early American colonists, archaeological digs, and the stories from the modern tribe. I love all the gorgeous photographs, and the emphasis put on things that would be normal, every day tasks, like hunting, making arrows, fishing, and time spent with the family.
This book is wonderful in contrast to the two books on pilgrim life. It gives a look at what the other group of American residents did in their daily lives, which is a striking contrast to life in the colonist village. It shows a very different lifestyle and belief system.
As with the author's other books, this one contains information about the living history village on the Wompanoag side of things. It talks about the boy who plays the story's character, as well as a bigger overview of the ideas in the story. What I liked best was the map of Massachusetts showing where the Wompanoag were in the 1600s, including the names of the towns in the Wompanoag language, as well as the names the English gave each town. There is also a wonderful listing of both words and the meanings of the names in the story.
This book would definitely make a good contrast to any study of the early American settlers. It's a good peek into the other side of the colonization of America. My children find it particularly interesting because it's such a contrast to the culture they're familiar with.
This book is wonderful in contrast to the two books on pilgrim life. It gives a look at what the other group of American residents did in their daily lives, which is a striking contrast to life in the colonist village. It shows a very different lifestyle and belief system.
As with the author's other books, this one contains information about the living history village on the Wompanoag side of things. It talks about the boy who plays the story's character, as well as a bigger overview of the ideas in the story. What I liked best was the map of Massachusetts showing where the Wompanoag were in the 1600s, including the names of the towns in the Wompanoag language, as well as the names the English gave each town. There is also a wonderful listing of both words and the meanings of the names in the story.
This book would definitely make a good contrast to any study of the early American settlers. It's a good peek into the other side of the colonization of America. My children find it particularly interesting because it's such a contrast to the culture they're familiar with.
November 29, 2013
Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy
Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl
Tapenum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times
This set of books is uniquely done. Full color photographs of Plimouth Plantation interpreters compliment simple text relating to their dress, chores, entertainments, hopes and struggles.
Tapenum's Day is the only one of the set that is NOT biographical. We do not have information on the names, dates and professions of the Native Americans at the time of the settlement of Plimouth Plantation. Tapenum's Day pieces together what we know of native american life to give us a glimpse into housing, dress, chores, family relationships, religious expression, food, the role of elders and migration practices.
Epilogues include a paragraphs on what is known of the Wampanoag people, the Wampanoag Indian Program at Plimouth Plantation and the practice of becoming a "Pniese" in Wampanoag culture, as well as a biography of the actor who interprets Tapenum for this lovely text.
Highly recommended for Thanksgiving and study of the Mayflower/ Plimouth Pilgrims. The only thing that would be better than this is visiting Plimouth Plantation!
Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl
Tapenum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times
This set of books is uniquely done. Full color photographs of Plimouth Plantation interpreters compliment simple text relating to their dress, chores, entertainments, hopes and struggles.
Tapenum's Day is the only one of the set that is NOT biographical. We do not have information on the names, dates and professions of the Native Americans at the time of the settlement of Plimouth Plantation. Tapenum's Day pieces together what we know of native american life to give us a glimpse into housing, dress, chores, family relationships, religious expression, food, the role of elders and migration practices.
Epilogues include a paragraphs on what is known of the Wampanoag people, the Wampanoag Indian Program at Plimouth Plantation and the practice of becoming a "Pniese" in Wampanoag culture, as well as a biography of the actor who interprets Tapenum for this lovely text.
Highly recommended for Thanksgiving and study of the Mayflower/ Plimouth Pilgrims. The only thing that would be better than this is visiting Plimouth Plantation!
April 28, 2016
This book is about Tapenum, a Wampanoag Indian boy. He lives during the time of european settlement. He wants to become stronger so he can be chosen my his chief to be a Pneisog, which is a warrior. This book take you through the daily activities of a young Indian boy and the expectations that he is trying to fulfill.
I think this was a very interesting book. I like that it is from the first person perspective of a young boy. It is also about native Americana during a time of history when mostly European colonization is discussed. I would use this book in my class because of these things. I think it would be great to incorporate into a history lesson.
I think this was a very interesting book. I like that it is from the first person perspective of a young boy. It is also about native Americana during a time of history when mostly European colonization is discussed. I would use this book in my class because of these things. I think it would be great to incorporate into a history lesson.
June 8, 2009
This is a fun book about a day in the life of a Wampanoag Indian boy. It is full of full-color photos demonstrating what an Indian boy would have done during pilgrim times. There are also two other similar books by the same author, Sarah Morton' Day: A Day In the Life of a Pilgrim Girl and Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy.
December 6, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting a feel for what it was like to be a little Indian boy. Again this would be great to use in the classroom because the students can relate to him and compare his life to theirs and how different they are. This would be good to use when teaching about the Pilgrim/Indian era in America.
April 1, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting a feel for what it was like to be a little Indian boy. this would be great to use in the classroom because the students can relate to him and compare his life to theirs and how different they are. This would be good to use when teaching about the Pilgrim/Indian era in America.
April 22, 2015
This was a very interesting story about the life of a Wampanoag boy. The story describes how this boy is wanting to become a warrior but has not been nominated. Later he talks to an elder of the tribe about this problem and is answered with the task of learning patience. I would use this for my class to further their comprehension skills.
July 27, 2011
good pictures and explanation of the day and life a youth in the colonial area while James town was being formed
October 12, 2011
Great pictures and insight into a boy's everyday life. I look forward to reading the other books in this series about a pilgrim boy and girl.
August 29, 2012
Informational story about a young boy trying to become a great hunter, the path he takes and the hard work he puts in to get there
April 14, 2013
Informational story about a young boy trying to become a great hunter, the path he takes and the hard work he puts in to get there
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December 7, 2017Tapenum, a Wampanoag Indian, prepares to become a warrior prince by hunting and fishing. The reader also gets to see how he spends the rest of his day. The pictures are realistic and so the reader also gets a glimpse into life during 1627.
I loved the realistic pictures of this story and how they made me feel as if I were really there. I also love how different vocabulary words were sprinkled throughout. The reader is able to use context clues to figure out the meaning of the new words.
Other books to read that connect with Tapetum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times:
Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters
Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters
This book could be used to bring awareness and understanding to a different culture. Students can also use this book and write about what they would do if they were a Wampanoag Indian boy or girl.
I loved the realistic pictures of this story and how they made me feel as if I were really there. I also love how different vocabulary words were sprinkled throughout. The reader is able to use context clues to figure out the meaning of the new words.
Other books to read that connect with Tapetum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times:
Sarah Morton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters
Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters
This book could be used to bring awareness and understanding to a different culture. Students can also use this book and write about what they would do if they were a Wampanoag Indian boy or girl.
January 9, 2018
I like the photographs and the incorporation of the native language.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews