Squanto And The Miracle Of Thanksgiving (Hardcover)

~ Eric Metaxas (Author), Shannon Stirnweis (Illustrator) "It was in the year of our Lord 1608..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This paper-over-board picture book biography approaches the holiday from an evangelical point of view. Beginning with Squanto's kidnapping, at age 12, by the Spanish from his Patuxet village in 1608, Metaxas (The Birthday ABC) follows him to M laga, Spain. His friends are sold into slavery, "but God had another plan for Squanto." Monks purchase Squanto and teach him their beliefs, then entrust him to a kind man in London until he can find passage back to America. Finally, in 1618, he arrives home, only to find his village wiped out by disease. The discovery tests Squanto's faith but does not destroy it ("As he pondered the great sorrow in his heart, he talked to God"). When Squanto comes to the aid of starving English newcomers, Governor Bradford predicts the hero's role: "Perhaps God has sent you to be our Joseph." In the end, Bradford and Squanto both give thanks to God for using Squanto in "such a way that would bless the whole world for centuries to come." Of all the offerings this season, this account comes closest to describing the holiday's religious roots and historical beginnings, even though many may argue with the book's politics and/or theology. Stirnweis's portraits tend to be stiff and inconsistent, but his realistic renderings of M laga and London architecture are atmospheric. The culminating illustration portrays Squanto in a pose like Christ on the Mount. Ages 5-10. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

This entertaining and historical story shows that the actual hero of the Thanksgiving was neither white nor Indian, but God. In 1608, English traders came to Massachusetts and captured a 12-year old Indian, Squanto, and sold him into slavery. He was raised by Christians and taught faith in God. Ten years later he was sent home to America. Upon arrival, he learned an epidemic had wiped out his entire village. But God had plans for Squanto. God delivered a Thanksgiving miracle: an English-speaking Indian living in the exact place where the Pilgrims land in a strange new world.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 24, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849958644
• ISBN-13: 978-0849958649
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #598,941 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Move over Kipling and Anderson, January 3, 2000

By A Customer

It's no mere coincidence that those who bought this book at Amazon also purchased titles by Rudyard Kipling and Hans Christian Anderson, for Eric Metaxas tells stories the way they used to be toldy. His knowledge of history and attention to detail are solid and thankfully for the reader he hasn't succumbed to the popular notions of political correctness and historical revisionism. There are things in American history to be ashamed of but there are many more things to be proud of and Metaxas reminds Americans of this. Both Native Americans and those who came later will leave this tale with a smile on their lips and thanksgiving to God in their hearts.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Your kids need this book!, December 2, 1999

By	A mom (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This book shows children that one person can make a positive impact on the world, and that God is with them even during the bad times of their lives. It was Squanto's faith in God that helped him forgive Europeans for kidnapping him, and it was his faith in God that made him decide to help the Pilgrims. The spiritual aspect of Squanto's life is too important to leave out when we pass this story down to our children.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving, March 17, 2002

By	G. Waddell (Tennessee) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A wonderful and accurate children's book about the first Thanksgiving. In a society where 'primary source documentation' and truth do not seem to matter anymore, this book brings back the factual account of Squanto and God's mighty power and grace. The illustrations are beautiful and the book is short enough so a very young reader will not lose interest. This children's book will be an inspiration to all who read it. Every parent should read this book before their child reads it.