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Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving
Native American Squanto returns home ten years after being sold into slavery to find his entire village gone, but God makes him an intricate part of the Thanksgiving story by placing the English-speaking Squanto just where the Pilgrims land in the New World.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 1996
About the author
Eric Metaxas
119 books2,138 followersIn a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 30, 2024
While I guess that I have found Shannon Stirnweis' accompanying illustrations interesting and for the most part even visually pleasant enough (although and frustratingly much too romanticising, and especially that one picture of Squanto standing like a solitary Jesus Christ type of figure with his arms raised in supplication rather strange and disconcerting to say the least), I really do not understand how readers can consider Eric Metaxas' Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving as anything more than at best a ridiculous, ahistoric sugary fantasy and at worst, as actually in many if not even most ways a total disregard, a total and willful misrepresentation of American history (and how the English colonists, how the "Pilgrims" generally tended to regard and approach the Native American tribes they encountered upon their arrival in the "New World").
For not only does the entire concept of manifest destiny, of somehow the so-called Pilgrims supposedly having a divine right to the continental United States (which is definitely both promoted and even in my opinion much celebrated in Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving) really make me feel both physically and emotionally ill, that final Thanksgiving admonishment, where the author, where Eric Metaxas tells his readers to thank God for Squanto and how he was and I quote "God's wonderful gift to America in the rosy dawn of its history" I am sorry, but considering the fraught relations between European colonists and Native Americans (and how Native American tribes have had their lands, their cultures, their religious beliefs taken away and often erased because the former, because the colonists, basically thought that this was the somehow will of God, that colonising was their divine destiny, and well, that the Native Americans were only godless heathens anyhow), I really cannot consider Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving with more than a one star ranking (and in fact, would even want to rate this book with negative stars if that were possible and allowed).
Finally, albeit that Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving does seem to actually have quite a lot of fans and also has a very high average star ranking, personally, I have found the Christian (the religious) bent and having Squanto appear as some instrument of God at best majorly uncomfortable. And I would bet that my personal level of discomfort with regard to Eric Metaxas' narrative would probably be much magnified and augmented for many Native Americans (especially since for Native Americans, Thanksgiving is often considered not a day of celebration, but a day of mourning, and that in fact and actually, for quite a number of American Indians, Squanto is not at all considered a positive person, but is actually seen as a somewhat of a traitor, as someone who joined forces with the colonisers for personal gain and nothing but personal gain).
For not only does the entire concept of manifest destiny, of somehow the so-called Pilgrims supposedly having a divine right to the continental United States (which is definitely both promoted and even in my opinion much celebrated in Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving) really make me feel both physically and emotionally ill, that final Thanksgiving admonishment, where the author, where Eric Metaxas tells his readers to thank God for Squanto and how he was and I quote "God's wonderful gift to America in the rosy dawn of its history" I am sorry, but considering the fraught relations between European colonists and Native Americans (and how Native American tribes have had their lands, their cultures, their religious beliefs taken away and often erased because the former, because the colonists, basically thought that this was the somehow will of God, that colonising was their divine destiny, and well, that the Native Americans were only godless heathens anyhow), I really cannot consider Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving with more than a one star ranking (and in fact, would even want to rate this book with negative stars if that were possible and allowed).
Finally, albeit that Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving does seem to actually have quite a lot of fans and also has a very high average star ranking, personally, I have found the Christian (the religious) bent and having Squanto appear as some instrument of God at best majorly uncomfortable. And I would bet that my personal level of discomfort with regard to Eric Metaxas' narrative would probably be much magnified and augmented for many Native Americans (especially since for Native Americans, Thanksgiving is often considered not a day of celebration, but a day of mourning, and that in fact and actually, for quite a number of American Indians, Squanto is not at all considered a positive person, but is actually seen as a somewhat of a traitor, as someone who joined forces with the colonisers for personal gain and nothing but personal gain).
November 24, 2009
Every child ought to read a few good Thankgiving books telling the story from the colonists' point of view which underscore the colonists' faith and God's provision for them. But it is important to acknowledge that while Thanksgiving symbolizes a young America's hope and potential, it also commemorates the beginning of colonization, an event which meant grief and destruction for the original inhabitants of our country. As a Native American Christian, I have struggled with God's purposes in allowing the suffering that came to Native people through colonization.
This book presents Squanto as one individual whose life epitomizes returning good for evil. Kidnapped as a slave, he was freed by Christian monks who taught him about Christianity, and returned to his Patuxet village to find that his entire community has been wiped out by European disease. In the wake of this tragedy, he extends crucial help to the starving settlers at Plymouth as they struggle to survive in his country.
The book is well paced, and has very nice illustrations. The author does make free to interpret Squanto's inner thoughts and motives, and I might have preferred that he stick with descriptive statements about Squanto's decisions which are historically verifiable. However, his perspective emphasizes the sovereign, redemptive plan of God through Squanto's personal suffering, and Squanto's ability to do good in the midst of tragic circumstances. This is a hero worth emulating, and a perspective on Thanksgiving that should not be missed.
This book presents Squanto as one individual whose life epitomizes returning good for evil. Kidnapped as a slave, he was freed by Christian monks who taught him about Christianity, and returned to his Patuxet village to find that his entire community has been wiped out by European disease. In the wake of this tragedy, he extends crucial help to the starving settlers at Plymouth as they struggle to survive in his country.
The book is well paced, and has very nice illustrations. The author does make free to interpret Squanto's inner thoughts and motives, and I might have preferred that he stick with descriptive statements about Squanto's decisions which are historically verifiable. However, his perspective emphasizes the sovereign, redemptive plan of God through Squanto's personal suffering, and Squanto's ability to do good in the midst of tragic circumstances. This is a hero worth emulating, and a perspective on Thanksgiving that should not be missed.
November 18, 2016
Great! Educational picture book :) Learned a lot from it and so did my students :)
November 16, 2017
Nice art work. I don't have too much complaint about the story. It feels like the history.
I think the big miracle here is that Squanto was taken as slaves by the Spanish, sold as a slave, luckily to monks, made it back to the disease infested London and then came home and decided to help those same white men live on his homeland. Obviously he did not have a bitter heart. I find this the biggest miracle!
My biggest beef with this book is the last paragraph. It says bless the whole world for centuries to come. We, looking at this from the Native Indian perspective, this was the end of their world. It was not a blessing.
My other big beef is that Squanto would have held two religious beliefs in his head, the one he grew up with and I doubt he let go of and then the words the Monks taught him. This book gives to perspective from the Indians, it is all from the pilgrims and what help it was to them. The focus is purely colonist.
This is the history and it's nicely told, I don't think Eric took any measure to tell a true story from Squanto's perspective. This is all rosy and makes Squanto into a tool of God's. He took the Native Amerian or Patuxet out of Squanto and made him all Christian. That's pretty terrible so that part is a fail.
Native American's have some beautiful beliefs that could have been discussed here and Eric did not do that. Typical.
So, I read this to my kids and they enjoyed it and we discussed this too. anyway.
I think the big miracle here is that Squanto was taken as slaves by the Spanish, sold as a slave, luckily to monks, made it back to the disease infested London and then came home and decided to help those same white men live on his homeland. Obviously he did not have a bitter heart. I find this the biggest miracle!
My biggest beef with this book is the last paragraph. It says bless the whole world for centuries to come. We, looking at this from the Native Indian perspective, this was the end of their world. It was not a blessing.
My other big beef is that Squanto would have held two religious beliefs in his head, the one he grew up with and I doubt he let go of and then the words the Monks taught him. This book gives to perspective from the Indians, it is all from the pilgrims and what help it was to them. The focus is purely colonist.
This is the history and it's nicely told, I don't think Eric took any measure to tell a true story from Squanto's perspective. This is all rosy and makes Squanto into a tool of God's. He took the Native Amerian or Patuxet out of Squanto and made him all Christian. That's pretty terrible so that part is a fail.
Native American's have some beautiful beliefs that could have been discussed here and Eric did not do that. Typical.
So, I read this to my kids and they enjoyed it and we discussed this too. anyway.
December 10, 2020
Great summary of the Squanto/Pilgrims story for young children, well-told and with beautiful illustrations. The kids asked to hear it over again daily when we checked it out from the library. I hadn't thought of the Joseph correlation before, which was an interesting layer. Great book to read at Thanksgiving and discuss thankfulness and how God uses all things for the good of his people.
October 30, 2017
"Every once in awhile, the hand of God is easy to see, and for a brief moment, fairy tales and history are the same thing. This story is about one of those times."
Learning heritage through story; Eric Metaxas is a master teller, weaving beautiful tales from the annuals of history!
"The only thing more amazing than this story from American history is the fact that so few people have ever heard it. " - Chuck Colson
Learning heritage through story; Eric Metaxas is a master teller, weaving beautiful tales from the annuals of history!
"The only thing more amazing than this story from American history is the fact that so few people have ever heard it. " - Chuck Colson
November 27, 2014
Learned that Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to catch eels.
November 21, 2012
This is a staple at our house on Thanksgiving, along with the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special and peanut butter chocolate chip cake. My kids can count on me getting it down and reading it aloud, and they can count on me choking up at least once, usually at the part where William Bradford compares Squanto's life with that of Joseph and says, "What man had intended for evil, God intended for good." The story of Squanto's abuse at the hands of white men who came uninvited to his country could be a thumbnail sketch of the entire Native experience after white settlement of America, and a great jumping off point to start teaching children about the ugly side of U.S. History, but it's the personal response of Squanto to the tragedies that befall him that teach the best lesson. It's hard to reconcile evil events sometimes, either in a global sense, when you're talking about actions of a group of people from the past, or in a smaller sense, when your life seems to have been torn apart by circumstances beyond your control, but the message of this book reiterates the importance of simply doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. It's easy to focus on the bad that's happened, especially when the instances of kindness and love seem so small, in comparison, but I think they're worth celebrating. This book is one of those little blessings that makes that job easier. The beginning quote sums it up; "Every once in a great while, the hand of God is easy to see, and for a brief moment, fairy tales and history are the same thing." We have all year to remember how horrible things got, after the first "Thanksgiving", and we *should* remember, so that we can keep from making similar mistakes. But there have been moments in America's history when disparate cultures have come together, and men and women have done the right thing. On Thanksgiving, we choose to remember those times, and be thankful for what we *have*, rather than what's been taken from us.
November 3, 2011
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving is a historical fiction picturebook written for Primary readers.
The book tells the story of a kidnapped Indian named Squanto and shares his 10-year journey back to North America. Squanto traveled from his home in North America to Spain and London before he was able to find his way back to the land of his youth. Metaxas' version of the Thanksgiving story gives credit to God rather than either the Indians or Pilgrims.
The book is simply written and contains colorful, detailed artwork to complement the story. In addition to the background story of Squanto's life and kidnapping the author shares the story of the first Thanksgiving in America and Squanto's part in the celebration. The book also contains many references to faith and religion, which is a nice touch in today's society as most holidays seem to have more commercial connotations than spiritual.
Sadly, I am not sure this book can be used in a classroom setting, at least not in a public school. As a society, we are entirely too politically correct and the references to faith and God in this book may not be allowed in the classroom.
The book tells the story of a kidnapped Indian named Squanto and shares his 10-year journey back to North America. Squanto traveled from his home in North America to Spain and London before he was able to find his way back to the land of his youth. Metaxas' version of the Thanksgiving story gives credit to God rather than either the Indians or Pilgrims.
The book is simply written and contains colorful, detailed artwork to complement the story. In addition to the background story of Squanto's life and kidnapping the author shares the story of the first Thanksgiving in America and Squanto's part in the celebration. The book also contains many references to faith and religion, which is a nice touch in today's society as most holidays seem to have more commercial connotations than spiritual.
Sadly, I am not sure this book can be used in a classroom setting, at least not in a public school. As a society, we are entirely too politically correct and the references to faith and God in this book may not be allowed in the classroom.
October 21, 2018
As someone who cares a great deal about the keeping of and memory of Thanksgiving [1], I find books about Thanksgiving to be intriguing and worthy of reflection. It is hard to tell how much a book is going to delve into some of the deeper and more problematic aspects of the fateful meeting between Squanto and the Pilgrims. Now, to be sure, I had a great deal more faith in this book doing it right than I would in many other cases because I am deeply familiar with and highly appreciative of the author's work as a whole and knew that this children's book presented an opportunity for him to write something that was both accessible to children as well as in accordance with the historical record in a way that would prompt further interest and reading on behalf of readers without succumbing to the plague of political correctness. Mind you, that is a difficult challenge, but in this short and often melancholy book, the author manages to succeed at this task, at least to my satisfaction, in providing accessible and factual writing that manages to convey historical truth without falling prey to easy point-scoring against descendants of European colonists.
The book is a straightforward tale in that it focuses on Squanto's experience, at least as best as it can be understood from the historical record. We see Squanto's curiosity about European ships in light of the friendly littoral trade that had taken place between the people of his village and previous explorers, only to be kidnapped and sold into slavery in Spain. His familiarity with the English leads him to work towards freedom from the friars who bought him and then to make it to England where he ends up waiting for a return trip to New England in a fishing vessel. He finds that his home village was wiped out by disease and is deeply saddened and even traumatized by the experience, first living with a neighboring tribe and then surviving isolated in the woods. The settlement of the Pilgrims in his deserted village leads another native to enlist his help in reaching out to the Pilgrims and Squanto finds himself helping the Pilgrims to survive through his agricultural knowledge. The end result pays honor to the heavy losses of both early settlers and local tribes and points out the demographic realities of European as opposed to native populations that made the expansion of settler colonies irresistible over the long-term.
Whether or not one takes this tale as celebratory or melancholy or a bit of both--as I do myself--is up to the reader. The author tells a familiar story, namely Squanto's usefulness in helping the Pilgrims to survive, in a way that points out the brutish nature of early 17th century life, namely the realities of slavery, massive amounts of death, and exile and dislocation. The author clearly portrays Squanto's losses as massive, and gives a plausible reason as to why he would be willing to help the English, seeing as they did trade with him during his childhood and return him home after his freedom from slavery, and that they were helping his home village become populated once again. Likewise, the author avoids easy comparisons by showing decency among all of the various sides of this story, from Squanto himself (most obviously) to the neighboring tribes that took him in as a stranger, to the gracious Pilgrims themselves and the friendly English merchants, to even the noble Spanish friars whose actions saved Squanto from a dismal fate of Spanish slavery. In the face of deeply imperfect events, this book does strike one as a miracle in the sense of a eucatastrophe, of the turning of sorrow into (eventual) happiness and glory, and the rituals of reconciliation and gratitude that allow the lonely and outcast peoples portrayed here to make themselves at home in alien lands and unfamiliar situations.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2010...
The book is a straightforward tale in that it focuses on Squanto's experience, at least as best as it can be understood from the historical record. We see Squanto's curiosity about European ships in light of the friendly littoral trade that had taken place between the people of his village and previous explorers, only to be kidnapped and sold into slavery in Spain. His familiarity with the English leads him to work towards freedom from the friars who bought him and then to make it to England where he ends up waiting for a return trip to New England in a fishing vessel. He finds that his home village was wiped out by disease and is deeply saddened and even traumatized by the experience, first living with a neighboring tribe and then surviving isolated in the woods. The settlement of the Pilgrims in his deserted village leads another native to enlist his help in reaching out to the Pilgrims and Squanto finds himself helping the Pilgrims to survive through his agricultural knowledge. The end result pays honor to the heavy losses of both early settlers and local tribes and points out the demographic realities of European as opposed to native populations that made the expansion of settler colonies irresistible over the long-term.
Whether or not one takes this tale as celebratory or melancholy or a bit of both--as I do myself--is up to the reader. The author tells a familiar story, namely Squanto's usefulness in helping the Pilgrims to survive, in a way that points out the brutish nature of early 17th century life, namely the realities of slavery, massive amounts of death, and exile and dislocation. The author clearly portrays Squanto's losses as massive, and gives a plausible reason as to why he would be willing to help the English, seeing as they did trade with him during his childhood and return him home after his freedom from slavery, and that they were helping his home village become populated once again. Likewise, the author avoids easy comparisons by showing decency among all of the various sides of this story, from Squanto himself (most obviously) to the neighboring tribes that took him in as a stranger, to the gracious Pilgrims themselves and the friendly English merchants, to even the noble Spanish friars whose actions saved Squanto from a dismal fate of Spanish slavery. In the face of deeply imperfect events, this book does strike one as a miracle in the sense of a eucatastrophe, of the turning of sorrow into (eventual) happiness and glory, and the rituals of reconciliation and gratitude that allow the lonely and outcast peoples portrayed here to make themselves at home in alien lands and unfamiliar situations.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2010...
January 23, 2020
This appears to be a book originally published in 1999 with a new special softcover paperback for the 2012 season. In reading this through a loaned eGalley through NetGalley and ADE it is a bit difficult to read as the "page intentionally left blank" is missing and thus the obviously matched photos giving one of the best parts of picture book stories do no meet up. But from I do see, I enjoy the illustrations and the imagery.
Having a biographical story come from the perspective of a young Wampanoag Indian going from normal expectations of these strange Europeans from their ships to a terrifying condition of kidnapping, and then being sold into slavery is an interesting telling I would not have put with what I know of Thanksgiving. But this picture book is full of valuable historical detail and blessings of being bought by the monks and imagine, a Native American Indian boy traveling to London. With hope of returning home.
This book is so much more than I would have expected. There are so many elements from emotions, to historical detail that these pages are filled with possible learning experiences, both historically, literature-worthy and even sociological.
From the shores of America, to Spain, to London and America again, this is quite an adventure full of lessons to think about and learn from. Squanto proves to be a great biographical hero. I would be delighted to have a real copy of this after reading it electronically. I'm sure it would go over very well for the season with my preschooler and early learners.
*Thanks to Thomas Nelson for loaning an eGalley through NetGalley.*
Link planned: http://wp.me/pYHD5-4cW
Having a biographical story come from the perspective of a young Wampanoag Indian going from normal expectations of these strange Europeans from their ships to a terrifying condition of kidnapping, and then being sold into slavery is an interesting telling I would not have put with what I know of Thanksgiving. But this picture book is full of valuable historical detail and blessings of being bought by the monks and imagine, a Native American Indian boy traveling to London. With hope of returning home.
This book is so much more than I would have expected. There are so many elements from emotions, to historical detail that these pages are filled with possible learning experiences, both historically, literature-worthy and even sociological.
From the shores of America, to Spain, to London and America again, this is quite an adventure full of lessons to think about and learn from. Squanto proves to be a great biographical hero. I would be delighted to have a real copy of this after reading it electronically. I'm sure it would go over very well for the season with my preschooler and early learners.
*Thanks to Thomas Nelson for loaning an eGalley through NetGalley.*
Link planned: http://wp.me/pYHD5-4cW
May 3, 2014
God’s providence is active all the time but there are certain times when it is so remarkable that it leaves us amazed. This is such a story. The pilgrims called Squanto their Joseph because God used the kidnapping of both of them for the help of his people later on. I absolutely loved the last sentence of this book, which begins “Who but the glorious God of heaven…”
Sadly, although this book so beautifully magnifies God’s work in providence, it subtly undermines his work of salvation. When Squanto makes it to England he is purchased by some monks. This book puts the following words in the monks’ mouths, “All the people in the world are God’s children.” The book never speaks of sin or repentance, it speaks of trusting God, but it is not a trust based on the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, but seems to be a trust based on the belief that God loves and accepts everyone just the way they are.
I still think the book has value when used alongside other books that do speak of the need for repentance and faith in Christ to be a child of God. It is a true story that exalts the way God works all things together for good, even those things that man means for evil. It might be something either you explain to your children or, as I have done with our church library copy, you can use a sharpie to cover over at least that one sentence.
Sadly, although this book so beautifully magnifies God’s work in providence, it subtly undermines his work of salvation. When Squanto makes it to England he is purchased by some monks. This book puts the following words in the monks’ mouths, “All the people in the world are God’s children.” The book never speaks of sin or repentance, it speaks of trusting God, but it is not a trust based on the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, but seems to be a trust based on the belief that God loves and accepts everyone just the way they are.
I still think the book has value when used alongside other books that do speak of the need for repentance and faith in Christ to be a child of God. It is a true story that exalts the way God works all things together for good, even those things that man means for evil. It might be something either you explain to your children or, as I have done with our church library copy, you can use a sharpie to cover over at least that one sentence.
November 6, 2008
I thouroughly enjoyed ending my night with the kids snuggled next to me in bed, reading this book. Eli is learning about Pilgrims at school, and preparing for a Thanksgiving program and this was a wonderful tie-in to what he is learning, but an amazing reminder of God's providence.
My knowledge of American history is pathetic at best. This was a new story for me, and I was delighted. Like Joseph, Squanto's life was not easy, but God showed him favor. Like Joseph, God was also preparing years in advance for a time when he knew that his people would struggle. Squanto was an answer to prayer for the pilgrims during a hard and deadly winter. He taught them how to live in the new and wild land.
With the election, and major change coming, I am uncertain of our countries future. Eli has been very interested in talking about politics with his friends, classmates, and Grandpop, and had extremely strong opinions about the election. He is a little shaken. It was a wonderful blessing to be reminded tonight (and to be able to remind Eli) that God knows our future, and prepares in advance for difficult times in miraculous ways.
My knowledge of American history is pathetic at best. This was a new story for me, and I was delighted. Like Joseph, Squanto's life was not easy, but God showed him favor. Like Joseph, God was also preparing years in advance for a time when he knew that his people would struggle. Squanto was an answer to prayer for the pilgrims during a hard and deadly winter. He taught them how to live in the new and wild land.
With the election, and major change coming, I am uncertain of our countries future. Eli has been very interested in talking about politics with his friends, classmates, and Grandpop, and had extremely strong opinions about the election. He is a little shaken. It was a wonderful blessing to be reminded tonight (and to be able to remind Eli) that God knows our future, and prepares in advance for difficult times in miraculous ways.
September 8, 2012
The books starts out: "Every once in a great while, the hand of God is easy to see...."
and then it tells of Squanto's kidnapping, of being sold into slavery, living in Spain with the monks and then later England, sailing back and finding his village wiped out, and finally helping the Pilgrims. It actually uses Governor Bradford's NAME in the book (I hate books that say, "The governor of the colony...").
It mentions Governor Bradford pointing out to Squanto that he was an instrument in God's hands - that Squanto was their Joseph in Egypt. That although men intended to do evil, God used their evil works to do good. Even if you aren't religious, Squanto had become a Christian during his stay with the monks, and the Pilgrims were highly religious, so I felt the book reflected their beliefs.
My boys, ages five and seven and eight were spell bound by the story. It held my ten yr. old daughter's attention as well.
and then it tells of Squanto's kidnapping, of being sold into slavery, living in Spain with the monks and then later England, sailing back and finding his village wiped out, and finally helping the Pilgrims. It actually uses Governor Bradford's NAME in the book (I hate books that say, "The governor of the colony...").
It mentions Governor Bradford pointing out to Squanto that he was an instrument in God's hands - that Squanto was their Joseph in Egypt. That although men intended to do evil, God used their evil works to do good. Even if you aren't religious, Squanto had become a Christian during his stay with the monks, and the Pilgrims were highly religious, so I felt the book reflected their beliefs.
My boys, ages five and seven and eight were spell bound by the story. It held my ten yr. old daughter's attention as well.
November 10, 2016
I am hopelessly behind the times, but I just read this beautiful story of a young man who endured unspeakable hardships. However, he was used by God in amazing ways! We hear in school about how the Indians helped the Pilgrims learn to adapt and survive the harshness of the New World, but are never taught how events were orchestrated by a loving God to bring celebration out of loneliness. Squanto's story is one of captivity, isolation and ultimately redemption. I learned so very much, and I am grateful this amazing book was written! I love how events in Squanto's life parallel those of one of my favorite biblical heroes, (Joseph in the book of Genesis). I implore everyone to read this wonderful story. Although it is written for children, it is definitely a story adults will appreciate. God bless you all.
Read
December 20, 2014This book is about an inspiring character, Squanto. He was kidnapped at the age of 12 and taken to Spain to become a slave. Eventually after escaping Spain, he was able to come back to his village, sadly to find out an illness had struck the village.
Squanto begins communicating with neighboring villagers (Pilgrims. He was welcomed into the village and showed the pilgrims skills such as how to plant crops and fish.
Although this is an inspiring story, I do not think this would be allowed in public schools because of the religious aspect and references to God.
If I could use this book in a public school, I would use it as a perspective on Thanksgiving.
This book is appropriate for intermediate elementary students, 4th grade and up.
Squanto begins communicating with neighboring villagers (Pilgrims. He was welcomed into the village and showed the pilgrims skills such as how to plant crops and fish.
Although this is an inspiring story, I do not think this would be allowed in public schools because of the religious aspect and references to God.
If I could use this book in a public school, I would use it as a perspective on Thanksgiving.
This book is appropriate for intermediate elementary students, 4th grade and up.
August 22, 2009
This was a great book to learn about Squanto. It related the events taking him to England and back. The illustrations were very well done. While there wasn't much here we hadn't already read, it was nice to have it in one book. I also appreciated that they didn't gloss over the fact that he had been kidnapped, but didn't make it traumatic or overly dramatic thus making it appropriate for younger kids to listen to. The author does talk about how God had a plan for Squanto. It's not pervasive, but if that would bother you this is a book you might want to avoid. For us, it was a welcome addition.
Highly recommended for elementary aged (or younger).
Highly recommended for elementary aged (or younger).
December 11, 2015
This was a truly excellent book that shows the hand of God in the life of Squanto, and miracle the Squanto was in the lives of the Pilgrims of Plymouth.
I read this with my children as part of our homeschool curriculum. It is well written and illustrated. It shows how God can turn difficulties into blessings, and how our own challenges can prepare us to help others. Squanto's life is compared to Joseph of Egypt's - he was sold into slavery in far country, and then was prepared to be able save a nation from starvation.
I read this with my children as part of our homeschool curriculum. It is well written and illustrated. It shows how God can turn difficulties into blessings, and how our own challenges can prepare us to help others. Squanto's life is compared to Joseph of Egypt's - he was sold into slavery in far country, and then was prepared to be able save a nation from starvation.
November 8, 2013
Told from a very religious viewpoint, this story nevertheless is the most accurate retelling I have found on this subject. The pictures and story are appealing enough to hold a child's attention and the story is in-depth covering most of Squanto's remarkable life (well, it leaves off the unfortunate ending but there's enough time to become jaded when these kids grow up. Let em have a hero for now... :) ). I suspect I will continue to use this in the years to come.
November 23, 2014
For those of you looking for a faith-based story to share with your family about that first Thanksgiving, here is one that you can buy in e-book form just in time for Thanksgiving and it is only $1.99. Note: the book was $6.99 and may return to that price shortly so get it while the getting is good. Check out my review by following the link.
http://beacon2light.blogspot.com/2014...
http://beacon2light.blogspot.com/2014...
October 14, 2010
Beautifully historical and emotional tale of the miracle of Thanksgiving. The emphasis is on the story of Squanto and my 3 year old was captivated it despite being written for middle school students. The gorgeous illustrations give a wonderful window into the cultures that Squanto moves through. This is a keeper.
November 6, 2012
Enjoyable read (and well illustrated) for children tracing God's hand of providence over all the players in the Pilgrim story, especially in the life of a Native American Indian named Squanto. (Squanto was not as "saintly" as this book portrays, and certainly not as "Christian," so parts of this story may be more historical fiction than historical.)
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January 29, 2015This is a true story about American history and a young 12 year old boy, Squanto, who was captured and taken as a slave. Later, Squanto is returned and becomes a friend and guide for the early pilgrims. This story would be recommended reading for children ages 5 - 10. This book is beautifully illustrated by Shannon Stirnweis.
November 21, 2015
I am a big fan of Eric Mextaxas' writing, both for adults and children - his biography of Bonhoeffer and his Christmas book, Uncle Mugsy and the Terrible Twins of Christmas, show the breadth of his work. My 5 year old really enjoyed this book about the historical origins of our Thanksgiving tradition. Unabashedly Christian in his perspective, Metaxas highlights God's providence in the events.
November 29, 2017
Excellent, engaging retelling of Squanto's story for early elementary children
I read this title to the kids on Thanksgiving morning, and both my 6 and 7 year olds stayed well engaged. The eldest even remembered to thank God for Squanto in his prayers that evening!
(Update)
My newly turned 7 year old also really enjoyed reading this book to herself this year. (2017)
I read this title to the kids on Thanksgiving morning, and both my 6 and 7 year olds stayed well engaged. The eldest even remembered to thank God for Squanto in his prayers that evening!
(Update)
My newly turned 7 year old also really enjoyed reading this book to herself this year. (2017)
November 27, 2014
We will add this book to read out loud as our Thanksgiving tradition. It is always good to be reminded of God's divine providence and to be thankful for His intervention to help those who call upon Him.
February 19, 2016
I first heard about this book from an interview with the Author on the Dennis Prager radio show. It made me cry. The story is lovingly told and beautifully illustrated in this book. Every American family should read/have it.
December 1, 2015
This is a Thanksgiving must-read that all ages will enjoy.
August 19, 2016
We read this with our kids each Thanksgiving--the audio version is also great!
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October 21, 2022Great read!
I liked the story and illustrations. Easy to read with children and a very encouraging story. Would recommend to any family!
I liked the story and illustrations. Easy to read with children and a very encouraging story. Would recommend to any family!
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