Pocahontas

January 1, 2002
Gr 1-5-With a fine selection of archival photographs and pictures in color, this biography is beautifully laid out. Through carefully chosen words and a minimum of supposition, the major incidents in Pocahontas's life are presented. Assertions of fact are kept to a minimum unless they can be substantiated. For example, when the most-often cited incident involving Pocahontas-her intercession with her father on behalf of John Smith-is discussed, the text says, "He said that Pocahontas saved his life. This may or may not be true." The rest of the story, with only an occasional lapse, is similarly qualified. There are many other biographies available for this audience. This one is worthy of consideration for its readable and accessible text, its careful separation of fact from fable, and its selection of a Web site that points out where the popular Disney movie strays into fantasy.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City

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