Did you know there were multiple lost colonies between the Lost Colony of Roanoke and the Jamestown Colony? We’ve all seen the Disney version of Pocahontas, and then heard it was filled with falsehoods. But where is the true story of Pocahontas and Jamestown Colony? I found wonderful living books! These tell the story of Jamestown Colony through the real people of Christopher Newport, Thomas Savage, and Pocahontas.
Christopher Newport
Christopher Newport: Jamestown Explorer by Sharon K. Solomon, presents the voyages of Christopher Newport. This picture book engages young children with colorful illustrations. We meet him as a young lad growing up in England. He then journeys to Roanoke to rescue the Lost Colony in 1587. Newport makes five voyages between England and Jamestown Colony between 1606 and 1611. The story provides a shallow overview of the Jamestown colony each year and the brief encounters he had with Chief Powhatan.
This book added value to our study of navigation, exploration, and English colonization across the Atlantic Ocean. We learned about privateering, navigation at sea, and shipwrecks. Not too much about Jamestown, though.
Thomas Savage
Jean Fritz writes a short chapter book for the elementary age group. Who’s Saying What in Jamestown, Thomas Savage? also has many many colorful pictures throughout. At the beginning, Fritz explains the role of Thomas Savage as interpreter between the English and the Powhatan Indians. Although primary resources about Thomas Savage are scarce, Fritz does an amazing job with this historical fiction.
Pocahontas
Jean Fritz writes another book about Jamestown, The Double Life of Pocahontas. This longer chapter book presents the two worlds that Pocahontas navigated. She lived during such a period of tumultuous change for her people. Fritz does well presenting how Pocahontas may have felt throughout the events of her life.
In Joseph Bruchac’s Pocahontas, he alternates chapters between the points of view of Pocahontas and John Smith. I so appreciate how he writes from different perspectives through this period of time. In addition to the sources and bibliography, Bruchac provides additional information about early 17th century English, the Powhatan language, and a note on the stories of Pocahontas.
Although The True Story of Pocahontas might often be dismissed from the “living book” category, it filled a perfect need for us. My 2nd grader gained confidence and reading practice from reading this book aloud. In fact, she read it aloud to Grandma and amazed her with the truth of Pocahontas’ story!
More Historical Fiction
My kids find historical fiction an engaging way to immerse into various time periods. Dive into archaeology and further perspectives with these chapter books:
- Shadows at Jamestown: a focus on archaelogy
- Journey to Jamestown: two stories in one book from the perspective of a colonist and a Native American
- Surviving Jamestown: a look through the eyes of a young boy, Sam Collier
- Blood on the River: James Town 1607: well-researched historical fiction for older readers, ages 9+
The Next Level
A visit to Jamestown is an eye-opening experience. Only my oldest twins remember our trip from four years ago. I think we need to make another trip! Check out this treasure trove of insider travel information for both Jamestown locations at Reclaiming Wonders’ website:
- Jamestown Settlement: Website, Travel Information
- Historic Jamestowne: Website, Travel Information
Jamestown Settlement serves as a living history museum. I remember Powhatan Indian actors explaining how they kept warm by covering themselves in animal fat. We felt the cold that day, but the actors were greased up and warm! A replica of the Susan Constant showed us how settlers traversed the Atlantic in cramped vessels. The indoor museum displays engaged and educated us and our young children for hours.
Historic Jamestowne provides an archaeological look at the original site of Jamestown Colony. A statue of Pocahontas honors her role and friendship with the colonists. I have yet to dig up these photos (it was over a decade ago that I visited!). The National Park Service runs one portion and the other is ticketed.
Have I missed any good living books for Jamestown and Pocahontas? Please comment below!