Who Journeyed on the Mayflower?

April 1, 2014

Gr 6-10-Using a question-and-answer organizational format, each book begins with an account of a dramatic incident, followed by chapters that ask and answer questions about the subject's background, main events, and historical significance. Although most of the topics are American history, authors discuss their relevance to world history. "History Detectives" sidebars introduce readers to the basics of primary source research, such as how to find, critically evaluate, and use sources. Maps, charts, and large illustrations and photos add interest, while sidebars introduce important figures, excerpt documents, or pose critical thinking questions. This set differs from "Everything Has a History" (Heinemann-Raintree, 2014) because it offers single-topic histories with additional information about primary source research. Similar topics have received wide extant coverage, but these titles provide enough material and research guidance to be good supplementary report choices.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2014
Grades 5-8 Beginning with a harrowing scene of a passenger hanging on to the Mayflower during a storm, this title in the Primary Source Detectives series explains how surviving documents provide clues to this scene and many others. In the seventeenth century, Mayflower was a common name for a ship, but by examining port books from the period, historians have identified the exact ship that carried the Pilgrims. Other primary source material has helped uncover clues about the passengers and cargo, as well as such events as the Mayflower Compact and meetings with Native Americans. Barber gives a clear picture of the Pilgrims' reasons for leaving, their business deals, and their first hard years, yet notes that primary source documents are not always absolute. Packed with maps, period art, and more, this is a valuable look at early American history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)