The Queen of England commemorated the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown (Virginia) settlement earlier this month but the celebration is just starting. There’s a lot of information available to help adults bring Jamestown’s history to life for children, and an increasing number of books for young readers.

Probably because history requires a level of experience (read: age) to actually grasp and understand it, most of the books about Jamestown are for children at least 8 years old; lots are for older readers.

But I think that even young children can get caught up in the drama of the time. Rosalyn Schanzer’s John Smith Escapes Again! (National Geographic Children’s Books) presents the period from the perspective of probably one of the best recognized names from the period in word and picture.

Adults will appreciate the author’s notes which detail how she researched both text and illustration. These fascinating tidbits can be shared with kids as the drama unfolds. And drama abounds in Smith’s derring-do – and his story (from his point of view) helps bring a place and a period to life.

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
May 10, 2007
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