Squanto Friend of the Pilgrims

Author: Clyde Robert Bulla

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Copyright Date: 1954

Number of Pages: 112

Reading Level: 4-10

Summary: Squanto had heard a great deal about the white men. When they arrived at the shores of his tribe he was very interested in them. He approached them slowly. The first group of white men that he meets are friendly and take him with them to the different tribes in the area so that Squanto can communicate with the other Indians for them and communicate their intentions and help them trade with the Indians. The group of sailors and tradesmen then offer Squanto a trip to their homeland with them. Squanto is very excited by the opportunity. However, he is stranded in the Americas for a great deal of time. At first he is put on display for people to pay to see him. Later he becomes part of the community and people become accustomed to him. He ends up wanting to go back to his homeland so he can live with his tribe and his family. Another group of white men take him with them. One of the people is extremely evil and ends up capturing Squanto and several other Indians. He is sent to a slave trade and he almost is kept as a slave. Two great white men pay the money for him and then let him go. Finally Squanto goes back to his homeland but his tribe is gone. He finds out from neighboring tribes that his family line had all died out due to disease. They invite him to live with them and he does for a portion of time. Pilgrims come to the land and in the end Squanto helps them learn how to survive. 

Personal Response: I thought that this book was very well written. It was written simplistically enough for a young child to be able to understand it but the plot and the storyline was interesting enough to hold older children's attention. It is realistic and historically accurate. 

Potential Problems: In part of this book the Native Americans are treated like animals. They are sent on a ship to a slave trade. This may not be appropriate for younger children. 

Recommended to: I would recommend this book to children that want to learn more about the pilgrims and the Indians.