Twelve-year-old Samuel Collier is a lowly commoner on the streets of London. So when he becomes the page of Captain John Smith and boards the Susan Constant, bound for the New World, he can’t believe his good fortune. He’s heard that gold washes ashore with every tide. But beginning with the stormy journey and his first contact with the native people, he realizes that the New World is nothing like he imagined. The lush Virginia shore where they establish the colony of James Town is both beautiful and forbidding, and it’s hard to know who’s a friend or foe. As he learns the language of the Algonquian Indians and observes Captain Smith’s wise diplomacy, Samuel begins to see that he can be whomever he wants to be in this new land.
Blood on the River: James Town, 1607
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Starred Review. Grade 5-7–After attempting to steal back a necklace that belonged to his deceased mother, Samuel Collier is sent to an orphanage run by Reverend Hunt. The 11-year-old joins him on a journey to the New World, serving as a page to Captain John Smith. Samuel's account of the voyage to Virginia, political intrigues among the settlers, and the harrowing first winter of the James Town settlement brings to life figures like Smith, Powhatan, and Pocahontas. Details about food and daily life add realism to the story, and quotes from historical sources begin each chapter. This Samuel is more conflicted than the one in Gail Langer Karwoski's Surviving Jamestown: The Adventures of Young Sam Collier (Peachtree, 2001). His initial selfishness changes as he responds to the reverend, to Smith, and to his new friends. His time in an Indian village and his changing perspectives on the Natives add interest to the story and depth to his character. While the opening chapters move slowly, the pace picks up as Samuel reaches Virginia. This title is a good choice for a tie-in with the 400th anniversary celebrations of Jamestown in 2007.–Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. Following Stealing Freedom (1998) and Storm Warriors (2001), both set in the nineteenth century, Carbone dips further back in U.S. history to the founding of James Town. Young orphan Samuel Collier narrates from his viewpoint as Captain John Smith's page, and the gripping historical fiction reflects Carbone's heavy reliance on primary source material, which she cites in an appendix. The dense particulars of daily life may tire readers who demand high-action plots. Others, though, will be easily caught up in the meticulously drawn scenes, from the fetid ship's hold to the snowy forests where Samuel learns to hunt with Powhatan friends. The cover, showing two crouched Powhatan Indians surveying the settlement, is a puzzling choice, particularly since the British characters are the focus. Still, like Joseph Bruchac's Pocahontas (2003), the text offers a view of Indian life that is far from the Disney stereotypes. An author's note offers more historical contest. A strong, visceral story of the hardship and peril settlers faced, as well as the brutal realities of colonial conquest. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The importance and fun of historical fiction is the ability to "live" in another time and place and understand something about that point in history. As a librarian, I've purchased fiction and nonfiction books about Jamestown and I've provided educational videos on the topic. I have studied the settlement along with the kids through elementary, junior high and high school, blah-blah-blah.
I have just finished Elisa Carbone's superb Blood on the River.
NOW I get it.
Other books have accurately and factually recounted the history of the James Town settlement but Carbone has brought it to life. Using real characters from the colony's registers, she has recreated a story that is an absolute page turner. We smell the stench of the ships and see the frost on the ground. The distrust between the English and the Wampanoag is palpable. The gnawing hunger, the "summer sickness" and the scent of wood fires is so strong, I felt like I was within the palisade walls.
Young Samuel Collier is bound as a page to Captain John Smith on the eve of his departure for Virginia. Sam's fierce temper and survival sense will be his undoing and his salvation in the new land. The perils of the voyage at sea and the political turmoil that plagued the expedition from the onset are vividly described. The useless "gentlemen" resent the common sense of John Smith and his lack of respect for his "betters." Before they even arrive on Virginia's shores, the "gentlemen" have clapped Smith in irons and plan to hang him.
Sam clearly sees the issues confronting the colony but as a servant he is powerless. His loyalty to Smith serves him well. Smith teaches him to fight with a sword and how to use a musket. He also arranges for Sam to stay with a friendly Indian tribe during the second winter so he can learn their language and survival skills instead of going hungry at the settlement. Sam revels in his time with the tribe, realizing their lifestyle is perfectly adapted to the harsh environment. He respects their traditions and their pride as a nation. It is with great reluctance that he returns to James Town when winter is over.
The reader fumes along with Sam at the stupidity of the Virginia Company. Their reliance on old world ideas of "gentlemen" leaders dooms many settlers to death. It is only when John Smith is voted on, by the colonists, to become their president that the colony's fortunes take a turn for the better. The story of Pocahontas is part of the storyline. Carbone chooses a likely version of her rescue of John Smith and depicts her as the child she really was at the time.
In the afterword, Carbone includes excellent notes and suggestions for additional reading. She describes her research which was fascinating to read on its own.
"I asked teachers and librarians for suggestions. "What would you most like to see a new novel about?" I asked. The answer came over and over: Jamestown.
I thought, "That old story? John Smith and Pocahontas AGAIN? Booooooring!"
In Carbone's hands -- boring? Not at all! This is some of the best historical fiction I have read since The Blood Red Horse. Highly recommended.
I have just finished Elisa Carbone's superb Blood on the River.
NOW I get it.
Other books have accurately and factually recounted the history of the James Town settlement but Carbone has brought it to life. Using real characters from the colony's registers, she has recreated a story that is an absolute page turner. We smell the stench of the ships and see the frost on the ground. The distrust between the English and the Wampanoag is palpable. The gnawing hunger, the "summer sickness" and the scent of wood fires is so strong, I felt like I was within the palisade walls.
Young Samuel Collier is bound as a page to Captain John Smith on the eve of his departure for Virginia. Sam's fierce temper and survival sense will be his undoing and his salvation in the new land. The perils of the voyage at sea and the political turmoil that plagued the expedition from the onset are vividly described. The useless "gentlemen" resent the common sense of John Smith and his lack of respect for his "betters." Before they even arrive on Virginia's shores, the "gentlemen" have clapped Smith in irons and plan to hang him.
Sam clearly sees the issues confronting the colony but as a servant he is powerless. His loyalty to Smith serves him well. Smith teaches him to fight with a sword and how to use a musket. He also arranges for Sam to stay with a friendly Indian tribe during the second winter so he can learn their language and survival skills instead of going hungry at the settlement. Sam revels in his time with the tribe, realizing their lifestyle is perfectly adapted to the harsh environment. He respects their traditions and their pride as a nation. It is with great reluctance that he returns to James Town when winter is over.
The reader fumes along with Sam at the stupidity of the Virginia Company. Their reliance on old world ideas of "gentlemen" leaders dooms many settlers to death. It is only when John Smith is voted on, by the colonists, to become their president that the colony's fortunes take a turn for the better. The story of Pocahontas is part of the storyline. Carbone chooses a likely version of her rescue of John Smith and depicts her as the child she really was at the time.
In the afterword, Carbone includes excellent notes and suggestions for additional reading. She describes her research which was fascinating to read on its own.
"I asked teachers and librarians for suggestions. "What would you most like to see a new novel about?" I asked. The answer came over and over: Jamestown.
I thought, "That old story? John Smith and Pocahontas AGAIN? Booooooring!"
In Carbone's hands -- boring? Not at all! This is some of the best historical fiction I have read since The Blood Red Horse. Highly recommended.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By J.R.
Format:Paperback
I am reading this book aloud to my fourth grade class. All fourth graders in our state study Virginia History, and we just finished covering Jamestown. This book is bringing the story alive to them more than anything else has before... including a trip to the settlement site itself! They are begging for me to read everyday. This book is historically factual and absolutely riveting. It is a must have for adults and kids alike! Well done, Ms. Carbone!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
A Kid's Review
Format:Hardcover
It was definitely a change for me to read a historical fiction book. I'm very glad I read Blood on the River even though it was a change to read historical fiction book it might have been my favorite book I've read. I always thought books with historical fiction would be boring, but it wasn't! This book had my favorite thing: action! Blood on the River was packed with adventure, with many cliffhangers, and surprises. For example one of the rich gentlemen tried to hang Captain John Smith for his so called, "treason to the king" at the end of the chapter. In this book I just wanted to keep reading more, to see what dilemma the main character Samuel would face next. This book was definitely a page-turner. I always connected with Samuel because he was so easy to relate to. I enjoyed this book and I think all readers would love this well written book by Elisa Carbone.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
the adventure begins here...
in this story samuel is very curous boy. i think that the author could't have told it better than in this story. Read more
Published 6 days ago by crazyhorsegirlJENI
4.0 out of 5 stars
Blood on the River
I enjoyed reading this young adult historical novel written from the perspective of Samual Collier, a boy who signed on for the adventure of a lifetime in the seventeenth century... Read more
Published 22 days ago by Jeannine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
A good book to read to a class of 5th graders I believe it was a good book to have assigned for homework
Published 1 month ago by Eric Joshua Shelton
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blood on the river
This story is so creative and heartfelt!
Love it, must read book!!!
5star rating
Beautifully spoken
I SUGGEST THIS TO EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it, must read book!!!
5star rating
Beautifully spoken
I SUGGEST THIS TO EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Published 1 month ago by cheryl ingraham
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fairly good narative
I enjoyed this narrative through the eyes of as orphan boy that was indentured to Captain John Smith. I would recommended this book to my grand kids for a good read.
Published 1 month ago by CCode
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best book EVER!!!!
This book is awesome because it's historically correct Samuel is great and in the end comes through for Jamestown :)
Published 2 months ago by Savannah Haynes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I love this book. Had it assigned in a school book club.
IT IS SO GOOD! I recommend this book.
IT IS SO GOOD! I recommend this book.
Published 2 months ago by VALERIE KENNINGS
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reading with my 10-year old daughter for school
Great story about the first colonists. Told from a kid's perspective. Story moves and is very interesting. Some tough issues to explain (i.e. starvation, sickness, death)
Published 2 months ago by No Castle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for using in 4th+ classrooms
This is the second year I've used Blood on the River in my multi-age classroom. I somehow always wind up with male-dominant classes, and the boys love this book. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Katy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
I used this book as a class read aloud to introduce both the history perspective as well as the historical fiction genre to my grade 5-6 classroom. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Laurie
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