BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bruchac, Joseph. 2000. SQUANTO’S JOURNEY: THE STORY OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING. Illus. by Greg Shed. Silver Whistle: New York. ISBN: 0-7398-3072-4
PLOT SUMMARY
Squanto is a familiar name in American History. This tale retells the story of Squanto’s life and adventure prior to the spring of 1621. Squanto was kidnapped from his tribe by Englishmen. Once in Europe, he was sold into slavery. Squanto realized that he could be a great asset if he learned English, so he worked hard and did so. When he returned to North America and his tribe, he discovered that only a few members had survived a sickness that attacked the village. Squanto was still determined to forge peace between the tribes and the European settlers. Over the course of several years, he persevered with this goal showing the English how to plant seeds and how to fish. These lessons in survival lead to an excellent harvest which leads to a feast. This feast is what is deemed the first Thanksgiving.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
SQUANTO’S JOURNEY: THE STORY OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING gives readers another look at the traditional American view of the first Thanksgiving. This historical fiction picture book is told from the perspective of Squanto, the Patuxet man who assisted the English settlers in North America. Despite the hardship he endured in his life, he desired a peaceful coexistence with the English settlers.
Mr. Bruchac does an excellent job creating characters that are neither stereotypical nor one-dimensional. None of the Native American characters use the phrase “HOW” or speak in mono-syllable words and phrases. Readers follow Squanto’s thoughts and interactions with other Native American and English characters. Squanto is a thinking man. He realized that if he learned English he could be of use to the English traders in North America. He hoped this partnership would eventually lead to his return to his homeland. Some of his Native American counterparts who were kidnapped became bent on revenge and retribution. This seems to be a logical reaction to this type of abuse. The Native Americans are not savage or bloodthirsty. They are not attacking peaceful English settlers unprovoked. There were attacks and tensions, but they were justified.
The English characters are not portrayed as fantastic heroes. Some are good people; others are unjust and cruel. Thomas Dermer is a just man who becomes friends with Squanto. Squanto is taken captive by another tribe when he assists Dermer escape from an attack. The English settlers that Squanto meets at Plymouth in 1621 are anxious to listen to and heed his advice. He teaches them how to hunt, fish, and plant crops. However, not all English settlers and traders were good people. Mr. Bruchac includes some of the brutal acts of the English. Under the guise of a friendship dinner, Thomas Hunt, an English Captain, tricks a group of Native Americans, including Squanto, to enter his ship. Once the Native Americans are aboard, they are kidnapped, taken across the Atlantic, and sold into slavery in Europe. Readers see the good and bad in both cultures.
The plot, setting, and theme of the story are very straightforward. A majority of the story takes place in the eastern United States. The land is rural, and the people must survive by farming and hunting. All of the action is seen through the eyes of Squanto. He narrates the events as he sees and lives them. The events and tensions build until the climatic first harvest at Plymouth. This harvest and the accompanying feast represent a great deal of work and effort from Squanto. He was determined to live with the settlers, not in competition with them. He sees the potential for peace when the Native Americans and the English share the harvest feast together.
The theme of the story is the power of determination, choice, and the human spirit. At many times during the course of events, Squanto could have lost his hope. When he is kidnapped, instead of resorting to revenge he looks to use the atrocity to his benefit. When he discovers his family has been killed by a sickness, he mourns them and observes his tribal tradition, but he does not blame anyone or withdraw. Squanto’s choices reflect his determination.
The illustrations in the story are phenomenal. They are vibrant and add significant meaning to the text. Each illustration covers a full page and compliments a page of text. None of the characters are caricatures of the culture. The light and dark faces are distinct from each other and within each group. All of the English and all of the Native American faces are distinctive. The skin tone and facial structures show variation and diversity. Many of the Native Americans sport different hair styles. Some are in braids; some are pulled back; still others are free flowing. The Native Americans are not “red”. The skin tone is tan and light brown. No one is in a headdress or war paint. They are in traditional clothing that matches the occasion. For example, if the text is summer events, the men are only in pants with a bow. In winter months, the men are seen in pants, moccasins, and fur cloaks.
Mr. Bruchac includes many Native American names, references, and terms for readers, but he does not overwhelm readers with explanations and definitions. Time is not referred to in days, seasons, and years. Squanto says that the English pilgrims arrived in the “Freezing Moon of 1620” and that “six winters” have passed. He does not use years; he uses seasons to mark the passage of time. The traditional names of the Native Americans are used. No explanation is given for the meaning. No meaning is given for English names; the meaning for the Native American name could be unnecessary or deemed personal within the tribe. It does not affect the meaning of the story if one does or does not know the meaning of Massasoit.
The interactions shown between the English and the Native Americans are positive. Not every event described in the story is positive, but the illustrations only relay a positive message. No faces are angry. The men are shaking hands or smiling at one another. Readers can see respect in the illustrations. The final illustration shows Squanto looking into the sunset raising his hands in thanksgiving. He is pleased with the turn of events. He is not planning a devious trick. The illustration that faces the Author’s Note is of Squanto looking into the sky and smiling. Readers can see pride and relaxation in his face. He is at peace.
Mr. Bruchac includes a lengthy Author’s Note for readers at the conclusion of the book. He explains why he chose to write this story and the research put into the text. This information adds authenticity to the story. Readers know the information came from reliable sources, not just the imagination of one man.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “There is a richness of detail in the pictures that echoes the passion for historical accuracy in costume and interior-and-exterior dwellings.”
From BOOKLIST: “Older readers will want to go from here to find out more about the fascinating man and about the history from the Native American viewpoint.”
CONNECTIONS
This activity should be completed prior to reading the text. Using only the illustrations that accompany the text, students will tell the story of Squanto. Notes and information should be documented on a chart. After the story is read, students will revisit the chart. Did the stories match? What was the same? What was different? Why were the stories different? This could lead to a discussion about stereotypes.
This story is a fictionalized biography. This means that most of the story is true but some of the details may have been added if they were unknown. Students will read about and research the life of Squanto. What information do they think is fiction? Can they tell? In groups, students will create their own biographical presentations about Squanto.
Native Americans - Squanto
Squanto
http://www.kids.yahoo.com
Using a map of the North America and Europe, students will draw and label the life journey of Squanto. This map should include dates of travel.
After reading SQUANTO, students should select another picture book by Joseph Bruchac.
Published Books
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment