Mayflower Books, the Pilgrims, Plymouth Colony, Squanto, Thanksgiving
Mayflower books, Pilgrims books, and other titles on the Plymouth Colony are in this section of the American History reading list.
There are lots of books to choose from for the 1620’s because these topics are not only historical, but they also revolve around a national holiday — Thanksgiving!
Click here for answers to the question, “What is Thanksgiving?”, then pick out corresponding books from the list below.
You can also find Mayflower books, Pilgrims books, and selections on Squanto and the leaders of Plymouth Colony on this page.
America 1620s: Mayflower Books & Pilgrims Books
If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 by Anna McGovern, illus. Anna DeVito. Scholastic, 1991.
A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower, 1620 (Dear America Series) by Kathryn Lasky. E-UE
The Landing of the Pilgrims(Landmark Books) by James Daugherty. Random House. UE
The Mayflower Adventure (The American Adventure #1) by Colleen L. Reece. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction.
The Mayflower Secret (Trailblazer Books) by Dave & Neta Jackson. E-JH
Christian historical fiction. William Bradford.
Miles Standish: Plymouth Colony Leader(Colonial Leader series) by Susan Martins Miller. Chelsea House, 2000. UE+
Covers the Pilgrims’ reasons for leaving England, their journey, & their settlement. Miles Standish did not share their faith, but became their trusted leader and friend. Well illustrated.
Plymouth Pioneers (The American Adventure #2) by Colleen L. Reece. UE-JH
Christian historical fiction.
Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters, photos by Russ Kendall. Scholastic, 1993. K-E
Photos of costumed interpreters at Plimouth Plantation in Massachusetts give a realistic glimpse of a pilgrim’s daily life. Based on real people from the original settlement.
Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters, photos by Russ Kendall. Scholastic, 1989. K-E
Photos of costumed interpreters at Plimouth Plantation in Massachusetts give a realistic glimpse of a pilgrim’s daily life. Based on real people from the original settlement.
Stories of the Pilgrims by Margaret B. Pumphrey, revised by Michael J. McHugh
Original version available FREE as an e-book from The Baldwin Project website.
The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross, illus. Carolyn Croll. Random House, 1995. K-E
Starts in England & ends at Thanksgiving. Especially appealing to the younger child.
Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness. Bradbury Press, 1992 K-E
Large, colorful illustrations for the younger ones, detail in the back
for the older. Follows a real family to America on the Mayflower,
showing the challenges after they arrive. (Minimal coverage on their
religious reasons for coming—parents may want to provide further
explanation.) Recommended!
America 1620s: Thanksgiving Books & Squanto
Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann Mcgovern, illus. Elroy Freem. Scholastic, 1993. K-E
Squanto and the First Thanksgiving Joyce K. Kessle, illus. Lisa Donze. Carolrhoda Books, 1983. E-UE+
Simple story with plenty of detail. Covers Squanto’s background, the Pilgrims’ faith & struggles in the new land, Squanto’s help, and the two cultures celebrating Thanksgiving together. Well done.
Squanto and The Miracle Of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas. Tommy Nelson. K-E
This beautiful picture book includes the spiritual side of Squanto’s story.
Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Bulla. E-UE
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac, illus. Greg Shed. Silver Whistle.Harcourt, 2000. E+
Explains how Squanto knew English so well! Large, real-life illustrations accompany the story behind the Indians experiences in early New England. Coverage of Thanksgiving & the Pilgrims is minimal.
Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pope Osborne. Random House, 2002. E-UE
Book #27 from an easy-to-read, fun series. Jack and Annie travel back to 1621 and meet Squanto at Plymouth Colony.
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh, illus. Helen Sewell. E
Caldecott Honor.
