Subject
Massachusetts -- History -- New Plymouth, 1620-1691 -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
James Otis
Mary of Plymouth: A Story of the Pilgrim Settlement
"Mary of Plymouth: A Story of the Pilgrim Settlement" by James Otis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the early experiences of the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, particularly through the eyes of a young girl named Mary. It aims to provide a vivid depiction of the daily life, challenges, and triumphs faced by the settlers in their new home, avoiding romanticized tales to present the realities of their existence. At the start of the story, Mary introduces herself and her circumstances, revealing that she had arrived in Plymouth aboard the Mayflower over a decade prior. The opening chapters recount their arduous journey to America, the initial hardships endured during their first winter, and the challenges of building a new life in a harsh and unfamiliar environment. Through Mary's perspective, readers witness the struggles of the Pilgrim community as they work tirelessly to establish their homes in the wilderness, confront hunger and sickness, and form crucial relationships with the indigenous people they encounter, notably Squanto and Massasoit, who play significant roles in their survival and adaptation.
Marion Ames Taggart
A Pilgrim Maid: A Story of Plymouth Colony in 1620
"A Pilgrim Maid: A Story of Plymouth Colony in 1620" by Marion Ames Taggart is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Constance Hopkins, a young girl traveling aboard the Mayflower, who navigates the challenges of her new life in the Plymouth Colony alongside her family and other pioneering settlers. The book presents a blend of fact and fiction, aiming to illuminate the experiences and sentiments of the early 17th-century pilgrims as they brace for a harsh wilderness. At the start of the narrative, we find Constance observing the final preparations for the Mayflower's departure from England. While she is filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation about the journey ahead, her relationship with her stepmother, Mistress Eliza, is strained, marked by tension and jealousy. This familial discord is set against the backdrop of the ship's bustling deck, where she interacts with her brothers and fellow pilgrims. Soon, as the ship sets sail towards the unknown, Constance grapples with thoughts of home, the harsh realities of their voyage, and her hopes for a better life in the New World, revealing her resilience as she faces the uncertainties that lie ahead.
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