An opening page provides historical context for the story of the first Thanksgiving feast in America. Then, we come to the story of young Miles Allterton. He has lived for a year in Plymouth Colony, but he still misses his city life in England and his favorite aunt, who died on the Mayflower crossing. Aquina is a nature-loving Native American girl who wishes she could hunt with her father and brothers instead of helping with the cooking and food growing. One November morning, Miles helps his father gather firewood for the coming harvest feast, while Aquina hides a bow and arrow she’s found and sneaks out to follow her father and brothers on a hunt. In the woods, Miles helps Aquina, who has fallen, and they exchange names before she runs away at the sound of gunshots. On the day of the feast, the two children encounter each other again and become friends. This story of friendship between Native Americans and newcomers is supplemented by inset blocks of information about the Mayflower’s journey, tensions between the Wampanoag and the English settlers, living conditions of the Wampanoag, reminders that both groups had to collect water and wood every day, methods of finding food, language sharing, clothing, schooling, contrasts between the first Thanksgiving and modern celebrations, and Lincoln’s recognition of Thanksgiving a national holiday. The attractively illustrated text is followed by a drawing of the Mayflower’s route, a timeline, a seven-item glossary and an index. The book is part of the “If You Were a Kid” series. Reviewer: Judy DaPolito; Ages 6 to 8.
