In the children’s book, Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving, by Joseph Bruchac, a Native American man named Squanto goes on a remarkable journey throughout his life, including how he first met the English people. Squanto was captured and forced into slavery in Europe. He was able to be freed when he became a translator for the English when they took him back to New England. He returned home to find out all his family members were dead because the English brought a sickness. Click here to hear the book read aloud.

The book explains about how Squanto tried to bring peace between Native Americans and the English. Squanto could have been really angry after everything that happened to him, but he was a man of peace and he used his knowledge of both the English and Native American people to help them get along.

Without Squanto the first Thanksgiving wouldn’t have been possible…he teaches the pilgrims how to survive in the rugged land – corn, beans and squash – the three sisters truly are “a feast for all people.”

This book tells the story of Thanksgiving from the perspective of Native Americans. It gives a more comprehensive history of the events that surrounded and led up to the first Thanksgiving and gives us a better understanding and appreciation of everyone involved.

For another perspective on Squanto, click here for Benjamin Seeburger’s 5-minute video.