- engaging biography of one of America’s first pilgrim’s, with much of the book focusing on his years growing up in England
- themes include hard work, responsibility, Christian persecution, compassion, and shepherding
- convo: a few instances of corporal punishment, close relatives die, caregivers treat main boy quite unfairly at times, a character recalls the history of Mary Queen of Scots being beheaded (not described), many unnamed people die during the infamous Mayflower voyage and that hard first winter in America, threats of violence are made but not carried out
- no language concerns
- includes helpful extras in the back
Type: chapter book
Ages: 8+
Author: Bradford Smith
Illustrator: Robert Doremus
This is one of those biographies that make you want to seek out more books on the subject! (Not to mention find other books the author wrote.) William Bradford was a remarkable man who, according to this book, was one to look up to in several ways. He endured a pretty rough childhood (though it’s all kept age-appropriate in this book), but due to his Grandfather’s faithfulness in teaching the Bible and God’s hand of providence, Bradford grew up to be a steadfast leader to many around him.
This story begins when he is six years old in the year 1596. Readers immediately connect to him and journey through his childhood with him. After multiple attempts of leaving with other persecuted Christians, he finds himself in Holland where he marries and becomes a father. Eventually he makes it to America, helps build the “New World,” and the first Thanksgiving occurs.
The age minimum above is my safe suggestion. I do believe many 7-year-olds could handle the content if read aloud in a family setting. In fact, it might be a really great option for introducing them to some tougher elements of church history with gentleness.
I hope you’re able to read it!