Shipwrecked Reads: Books on the Journey to America

Corny title, right? I couldn't think of anything better.
Well, I must admit, it's hard to find good books on the pilgrims that aren't too boring or too... well, weird. Yes, weird! There are some real strange books out there on different time eras, they don't make a lick of sense.
Luckily, we were able to find you some books anyways. We hope you enjoy them!


Sarah's New World: The Mayflower Adventure
By Colleen L. Reece

Sarah Smythe has lived in Holland her entire life. But that's about to change. Her parents are taking her and her brother, John, on a journey to America--the New World--with plans to stay permanently.

Sarah must leave behind the town, the home, and the friends she loves, for an uncertain and dangerous new life across the ocean. What does her future in America hold? How will she adjust to life with the other Pilgrims? Will God bring their ship, the Mayflower, across the Atlantic?

Let the Sisters in Time series take you back to 1770--where you may find that Lydia Lankford isn't that much different than you! Recommended for ages.

What we like about this book: Actually, Marin and I have never read this book. We do trust the author, though, and she makes fantastic stories. She's a good writer and her books are Christian based. We think you'll enjoy this book (in fact, any of Colleen's books) and love her characters!

Audience: Girls

Age Range: 8-14



A Journey to the New World
By Kathryn Lasky

What was it like to be a twelve-year-old girl coming to America on the Mayflower in 1620? Author Kathryn Lasky tackles this question in her fictionalized diary A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple. Through Remember's diary, upper elementary and middle school students get to join the pilgrims and experience their Atlantic crossing, their settling in Plimoth, and their celebration of the first Thanksgiving.

What we like about this book: Marin remembers that she enjoyed this book because Remember, or "Mem" as she refers to herself, was a very personable and very real character. Mem gets herself into trouble, is annoyed by younger boys and struggles with emotions she doesn't understand. 

Cautions: There are some perils and sad scenes. This book is realistic on many aspects, telling how it really happened and not sparing details. Which means some of the scenes describe how the pilgrims died. Ask parents what they think before you read this book.

Audience: Girls- but boys would probably find this book amusing

Age Range: 9-15




Stories of the Pilgrims
By Margaret B. Pumphrey

Faith, bravery, perilous journeys, hardships---the stories of the Pilgrims make for exciting reading! This illustrated text follows the Pilgrims from England to Holland to the New World. You will meet William Brewster, Miles Standish, John Alden, Massasoit, and others, and learn how our nation was founded on Christian principles. Includes comprehension questions throughout.

What we like about this book: Don't be fooled by its text-book styled summary- this book is well written and full of good stories. It's a great book to accompany the other two books we mentioned- because this book isn't fictional. It's real. Full of stories that really happened, I can tell you right now that reading this book will make you feel like you are there. Trust me- I was there!

Cautions: None that we can remember.

Audience: Boys and girls

Age Range: 8-13