Colonial Life

Growing Up In A New World fits the bill for presenting the history of the colonies in a clear, concise manner. Drawing on many primary sources, she unveils myths about the Puritans and delves into rules of discipline for children. From the importance of dancing, to indentured servitude, from the jobs of children to warnings against idleness and mischief, Miller explores daily life and paints a clear picture for her readers.
Location: Intermediate School

Part of a series produced by National Geographic. The landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth in 1620, the intolerance of the Puritans and the infamous Salem witch trial, the French and Indian wars. Engaging text, maps, timelines, and detailed illustrations bring these events to life, and make a much livelier read than most texts written for this age group. Includes index, further reading, and web resources.
Location: Middle School (Also available: New York, Connecticut)

It's a story that has been told for almost 400 years--how a brave band of people set sail on the Mayflower to find a new life in America. Cheryl Harness makes readers feel as though they are part of the adventure. Students will discover all sorts of things they never knew before: that a teenage boy almost blew up the Mayflower and that the first Indian the Pilgrims met greeted them in English! They'll learn more serious things, too: all about why they came, the hardships they suffered, the people they met, and the successes they achieved.
Location: Middle School

This book introduces 20 children in extraordinary times, starting in 1607 with Pocahontas and a "James Towne Boy" in 1608, and continuing with the Salem witch trials and an account of a boy sold into indentured servitude in 1743. The text and the highly detailed watercolor illustrations are married with numbers in small red boxes keyed to both elements for clarification. The authors use quotations and fictionalized dialogue, distinguishing between the two with quotes and single quotes.

This book frames our country's history in visits to 20 significant historic places, from the bustling ancient North American city of Cahokia and colonial battlefields of Saratoga and Gettysburg to Ellis Island and an early 1950s suburban tract house. Remarkably every one of the incidents or episodes is recast from actual historical accounts, usually of an eyewitness or participant.Places and times include Pecos - 1627, New Plymouth-1627, Charlestown-1739, and Saratoga-1777.