Discovering a new world is exciting! There is so much to explore, and around every corner the unknown becomes known. Our history is rich and textured, but there's still a wealth of knowledge to be gained about the world we live in. Sometimes there will be conflict, but once communication and understanding are established, anything is possible!
This week's top of the heap: Settling into the New World ; )
Fairday: I love learning about Pocahontas. I find her story to be fascinating. It's interesting to think about the two very different worlds that she lived in and the perspective that she gained from being the daughter of a tribal chief, and then the wife of an English tobacco planter. She was said to have saved Captain John Smith from punishment by her tribe and was presented to English society as a "civilized savage" in hopes of stimulating investments in the Jamestown settlements. Her tale is an engaging one, and I enjoy watching the Disney movie with my family this time of year.
On another note, just because we are on the topic of new worlds and discovery, I thought I would include a musical interlude that always reminds me of what it must have been like to come in to the New World. It's about the Mason Dickson Line. Enjoy! ~ F
Sailing to Philadelphia by Mark Knopfler and James Taylor♫ ♪♩♬
Lizzy: Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgivingis one of the best picture books I have read about Thanksgiving and the settlers. The author focuses on Native Americans in his writing, and I love the authenticity he brings to his stories. Learning about the first Thanksgiving from Squanto’s point of view was different than anything I have ever heard about the event. Seeing through the eyes of a Native American at that time gave me a whole new perspective on the events that took place and the tradition that has become so important to our country. This book is touching and honest. The illustrations add a lot to the experience. This is a picture book that will get you thinking! ~ L
I loved the turkey picture and the highlighting of Thanksgiving/Pilgrim focused books. World-building and creating an interesting setting is important whether it's spec-fic or historical. :-)
Hi Heidi, Isn't that such a delicious looking pumpkin pie! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts with us. Historical characters are always so fascinating : ) ~ F
The story of Squanto fascinates me. Pocahontas does, too, but I hate the Disney version. Did you know that Captain Smith was only, like, five foot four and had a real abrasive personality? He was a great soldier, though. And Pocahontas was probably only about nine years old when she saved him. Also, Jamestown (Smith and Pocahontas) was several hundred miles and thirteen years away from Plymouth (Pilgrims and Squanto). Jamestown has nothing to do with Thanksgiving. Sorry, don't want to be a know-it-all, but, hey, I write historical fiction. :)
Michelle- Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing some history with us! We have been enjoying spotlighting the early settlers and the Native Americans this week. Over many years and miles there were relationships between the settlers and Native Americans that we continue to learn from today. It is amazing when you think about it!
I agree with you! Fairday loves the Disney version of Pocahontas, but it isn't my favorite Disney movie either. :) I know the story is much more detailed and I found it fascinating what I learned about her in social studies. We actually watched the Disney version to compare and contrast what Disney got right and wrong about the story. It was so cool! ~L
Pocahontas was married to someone else! Thank you. Disney... lying to me. Her life was just filled with new discoveries and new situations. I don;t think I would have appreciated them so much... I would want to stay in my home.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. We love to hear your thoughts! We had to turn on comment moderation due to a high volume of spam. Fairday's Blog is no longer accepting awards. We appreciate all the nominations that we have received and are honored to have been mentioned! Happy Reading!
I loved the turkey picture and the highlighting of Thanksgiving/Pilgrim focused books. World-building and creating an interesting setting is important whether it's spec-fic or historical. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Lexa, So true! Thanks so much for popping over to visit- always lovely to hear from you : ) ~ F
DeleteAwesome turkey shrine! :-D
ReplyDeleteHi E.J. Thanks! : ) ~ F
DeleteThere are so many intriguing tales of first encounters between the Europeans and the First Nations people - must have been an interesting time!
ReplyDeleteAlso - you won the Helen Lacey giveaway over at my blog - I'll email you the info! :)
Hi Jemi, It was definitely a fascinating time period. Thanks so much for the giveaway! Great to hear from you : ) ~ F
DeleteHi Heidi, Isn't that such a delicious looking pumpkin pie! Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts with us. Historical characters are always so fascinating : ) ~ F
ReplyDeleteThe story of Squanto fascinates me. Pocahontas does, too, but I hate the Disney version. Did you know that Captain Smith was only, like, five foot four and had a real abrasive personality? He was a great soldier, though. And Pocahontas was probably only about nine years old when she saved him. Also, Jamestown (Smith and Pocahontas) was several hundred miles and thirteen years away from Plymouth (Pilgrims and Squanto). Jamestown has nothing to do with Thanksgiving. Sorry, don't want to be a know-it-all, but, hey, I write historical fiction. :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle- Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing some history with us! We have been enjoying spotlighting the early settlers and the Native Americans this week. Over many years and miles there were relationships between the settlers and Native Americans that we continue to learn from today. It is amazing when you think about it!
DeleteI agree with you! Fairday loves the Disney version of Pocahontas, but it isn't my favorite Disney movie either. :) I know the story is much more detailed and I found it fascinating what I learned about her in social studies. We actually watched the Disney version to compare and contrast what Disney got right and wrong about the story. It was so cool!
~L
I love the stories of both Pocohantas and Squanto. I've been up in Idaho where they have a museum to Pocohantas.
ReplyDeleteDonna- I love their stories! How exciting that you have been to the Pocohantas museum in Idaho. I would enjoy visiting that museum! ~L
DeletePocahontas was married to someone else! Thank you. Disney... lying to me. Her life was just filled with new discoveries and new situations. I don;t think I would have appreciated them so much... I would want to stay in my home.
ReplyDeleteAdriana- I know! The Disney version is quite different from the facts. I can relate to wanting to stay home. :) ~L
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