Blood on the River: James Town, 1607

"Wow!" is the most perfect (Algonquian) word to describe this book. We just finished reading this as a family and this book had us in its clutches the entire time. I laughed and I cried reading this, my husband is actually sad it's over, and my kids are begging me to visit Jamestown.This book really takes the story of Jamestown and brings it to life. We read my daughter's history textbook and compared it to what was happening in the "Blood on the River". She was so excited that the book followed so closely with what she was learning. The author does an amazing job of taking the flat history text and weaving a fabulous adventure story out of it. Every chapter was exciting or intense, and it was hard to close the book from one reading to the next.My kids have never been excited about history before but they were so engaged during this story. Afterwards we watched Disney's "Pocahontas" and my daughter was disappointed that the movie was inaccurate and boring compared to the book. She mentioned how John Smith in the movie doesn't help anyone, and in the book all he does is work hard to ensure everyone is housed, fed, and at peace. My son is 8, and he said (about the movie) "well that was embarrassing".I personally really enjoyed the author's tone and ability to add appropiate amounts of humor to it. Also, the way she writes made the story a really smooth read-aloud.I really recommend this book to young and old alike--especially those interested in history. And even for those who don't like history or historical fiction, I dare you NOT to like this one after reading it!!

I bought this for our young neighbor. He loved it. I read it myself and gave it to my 11 year old grandson. Having been to Jamestown he could appreciate the book even more. It’s a very well written story

This book arrived with no damage and is in good condition. It is well made too.

I bought this book for my son’s reading class. I’ve never read it myself, but I hope to get a chance to someday. My son has really enjoyed reading it and learning about this important time in American history. He said it’s a great book for kids who enjoy learning about history.

Needed an extra book for my classroom set and this one was better than the ones we’ve had for years! Great clear font.

My so read this book in his 5th grade class and he loved it. He recommends it for kids his grade level.

My granddaughter had to read this book over the summer as preparation for entering 5th grade in September. I bought 2 copies of the book so we could read it out loud together. I normally don't like history and fiction mixed together but this book is different. Every chapter begins with a direct quote from the actual daily journals of the characters in the story. These very specific historical events are then woven in that chapter into quite an adventure that brings history to life. It is particularly fun as the events are retold through the eyes of a pretty tough street kid who works aboard the ship and comes to learn about life, courage, and friendship as he grows into young manhood. My granddaughter loves it--especially the parts about the fistfights and the slop buckets! I love the accurate geographical precision of the story as well as the depiction of the Native Americans whom the settlers encounter in the New World.

WARNING SPOILER ALERT .This book takes place in early American times with a young boy whose mother is dead.He has no choice but to go to the new world as an indentured servant. Turns out the boy's master is actually the super star John Smith! When they come to Jamestown, they are starving; however they are saved by the help of the Indians. This book has a lot of historical facts. However, in the end the plot leaves you at a cliff hanger . I highly recommend this book and I wish the author would write a sequel.