Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving

Squanto's Journey tells the remarkable true story of Squanto — a Pokanoket man who was kidnapped by an English captain, sold into slavery in Spain, made his way to England, taught himself the language, and finally returned to his homeland, only to find his entire tribe wiped out by disease. When the Mayflower's Pilgrim settlers landed on those same shores in 1620, it was Squanto who chose to welcome them, teach them to plant corn and fish, and help negotiate the peace that led to the first Thanksgiving feast.

Joseph Bruchac — himself of Abenaki heritage — tells this story with dignity and historical accuracy from Squanto's point of view, paired with Greg Shed's glowing gouache illustrations. This is an essential choice for students because it presents the first Thanksgiving from a Native American perspective, correcting the oversimplified version most children know.

Publishing Details

Author : Joseph Bruchac

Illustrator : Greg Shed

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 11.0 x 9.1 inches

Year Published: 2007

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Biography

Theme: Native Americans, Indigenous People, Social Studies, About POC