The year marks a significant milestone: the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, the first permanent English colony in North America. This occasion provides an opportunity to delve into the complex history of this pivotal moment, exploring the interactions between the British colonists and the indigenous peoples who already inhabited the land. Two recently published children’s books offer captivating narratives that shed light on both the colonizers and the original inhabitants, inviting young readers to engage with a more nuanced understanding of this period. The New books for kids excavate facts about Pocahontas, Jamestown colony are a welcome addition to the historical record.
One of these books focuses on the life of a remarkable woman, known to history as Pocahontas. However, this was merely a nickname. Her given name was Matoaka. Born around 1596, she was the daughter of Chief Powhatan, a powerful leader who presided over a confederation of approximately 30 tribes in the region now known as eastern Virginia. Pocahontas’s life, though relatively short, became inextricably linked to the fate of the Jamestown colony and the burgeoning relationship between the English and the Powhatan people. By the time of her untimely death in 1617, she had gained international recognition as a figure of peace and diplomacy between these two vastly different cultures.
In "Pocahontas: Princess of the New World," author Kathleen Krull embarks on a journey to uncover the true story of Pocahontas, meticulously researching historical records and incorporating recent scholarship to present a portrait that transcends the romanticized depictions often found in popular culture, most notably in the 1995 Disney film. While the book acknowledges the elements of adventure, tragedy, and even romance that characterized Pocahontas’s life, it strives for historical accuracy and seeks to present a more balanced and informed perspective. Krull addresses a crucial challenge in writing about Pocahontas: the scarcity of primary sources from her own perspective. Almost all existing information about her comes from English accounts, leaving a gap in understanding her thoughts, motivations, and experiences.
Despite this limitation, Krull crafts a biography that reads with the narrative drive of a novel. The familiar outlines of Pocahontas’s story are enriched with details that allow readers to connect with her on a personal level. The book highlights her bravery, particularly in the well-known account of her intervention to save the life of Captain John Smith, an event that, whether entirely factual or embellished over time, underscores her role as a potential bridge between the two cultures. From that point forward, Pocahontas’s destiny became intertwined with the struggles and aspirations of the British colonists as they sought to establish a foothold in the New World.
Krull emphasizes Smith’s admiration for Pocahontas’s "wit and spirit," highlighting her intelligence and strong will. She also recounts another instance where Pocahontas warned Smith of an impending attack on Jamestown, further demonstrating her commitment to maintaining peace and preventing bloodshed. The relationship between Pocahontas and Smith is a subject of much debate and interpretation, but the book acknowledges its significance in shaping the early interactions between the Powhatan and the English.
The narrative also explores the circumstances surrounding Smith’s departure from Jamestown, during which Pocahontas was told that he had died. This event marked a turning point in her relationship with the English, leading to a period of estrangement and increased tension between the two groups. The subsequent kidnapping of Pocahontas by the English, who hoped to use her as leverage against her father, further complicated matters. Chief Powhatan’s response, urging the English to treat her with respect but refusing to meet their demands for her release, reveals the complex dynamics of power and negotiation that characterized the relationship between the Powhatan and the English.
Ultimately, Pocahontas chose to remain with the English, a decision that led to her conversion to Christianity, her adoption of English customs, and her marriage to John Rolfe, a tobacco farmer whose agricultural expertise proved crucial to the survival of the Jamestown colony. This union ushered in a period known as the "Pocahontas Peace," a fragile truce that allowed for a degree of cooperation and exchange between the two cultures. Pocahontas’s journey to England, where she was presented to the King and Queen, transformed her into a symbol of Anglo-Native American relations, albeit one that was largely shaped by English perceptions and agendas. Sadly, her life was cut short during her time in England, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter in early American history. The New books for kids excavate facts about Pocahontas, Jamestown colony reveal new facets.
Krull’s compelling narrative is complemented by the vibrant and evocative illustrations of Caldecott Medalist David Diaz. Using a mixed-media approach, Diaz creates images that capture the spirit of Pocahontas’s story, bringing the historical period to life for young readers. The book’s visual appeal enhances its accessibility and makes it an engaging read for children aged 5-8.
The second book, "1607: A New Look at Jamestown," offers a broader perspective on the Jamestown settlement, focusing on the archaeological discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of this period. Thirteen years ago, archaeologists unearthed the original fort built by the British colonists in 1607, a structure that was previously believed to have been lost to the James River. This discovery, along with the excavation of over one million artifacts, has provided invaluable insights into the lives of the colonists and the challenges they faced.
Author Karen Lange skillfully synthesizes this wealth of new information into a narrative that seamlessly blends the past and present. The book highlights the harsh conditions that the first settlers encountered, including a severe drought that lasted for several years. It also reveals evidence of a flourishing copper trade between the colonists and the Native Americans, as well as the presence of Native American women who married settlers and lived within the fort. These findings challenge traditional narratives and offer a more complex and nuanced picture of the early interactions between the English and the indigenous population. Lange’s work demonstrates that New books for kids excavate facts about Pocahontas, Jamestown colony.
The book also explores the lives of the Native Americans who inhabited the region prior to the arrival of the English, providing young readers with a glimpse into their culture, customs, and way of life. Lange emphasizes the disruptive impact of the Jamestown settlement on the Native American population, marking the beginning of the end of their traditional way of life. The book acknowledges the significance of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, but also points out that for many Native Americans in Virginia, this is not a cause for celebration.
Ira Block’s striking color photographs of historical reenactors in period attire add further depth and visual interest to the book. Lange also includes a helpful chronology, bibliography, and index, making this an excellent resource for young readers aged 8-12 who are interested in learning more about the Jamestown settlement.
Together, these two books offer a valuable contribution to children’s literature, providing young readers with engaging and informative accounts of Pocahontas and the Jamestown colony. By incorporating recent scholarship and archaeological discoveries, these books challenge traditional narratives and offer a more nuanced and balanced understanding of this pivotal moment in American history. These New books for kids excavate facts about Pocahontas, Jamestown colony are important.