The Mayflower Secret: William Bradford (Trailblazer Books #26) (Paperback)

by Dave and Neta Jackson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Thrilling adventure stories introducing young readers (ages 8-12) to Christian heroes of the past.

Thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Tilley and her family have been waiting for this day for months the day the Mayflower sets sail from England. The late start means uncertain weather and a long, hard journey for everyone. But the trip seems especially rough for Dorothy Bradford, the frail young wife of William Bradford. One night, Elizabeth discovers Dorothy alone on deck. Thinking the woman wants to be alone, Elizabeth returns to bed. But the next morning, she awakes to the news that Dorothy has disappeared! Afraid that William Bradford will blame her for his wife's death, Elizabeth tells no one what she saw that night.

When they finally arrive in the New World, many passengers become very ill. Several of them die before the new colony is established, including Elizabeth's parents. Left an orphan, Elizabeth must deal with her terrible secret alone. How can she ever face Governor Bradford again? If she dares to tell the truth, will it ruin her chance for happiness in the new colony?

Alone in the new world, Elizabeth guards a shocking secret-.

About the Author
Dave and Neta Jackson are full-time writers and editors whose talented work on the TRAILBLAZER BOOKS has earned them numerous awards and worldwide acclaim. They are the parents of two adult children and make their home in Illinois.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 157 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764220101
• ISBN-13: 978-0764220104
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #764,061 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good historical fiction for young readers., December 17, 2004

By	Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

When thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Tilley and her parents board the Mayflower in 1620, they have high hopes for a better life in the New World. Although they are not Puritan Separatists like many of the passengers, the Tilleys have few economic opportunities in England. But after a long and difficult sea voyage, the Mayflower arrives in Cape Cod in the dead of winter. On deck one night, Elizabeth sees Dorothy Bradford, one of the other passengers, standing by the railing, but tells no one. The next morning, Dorothy has disappeared, presumed drowned. Elizabeth feels terrible guilt and is determined to hide her secret, fearing blame. Soon after, both of Elizabeth's parents die from disease. Elizabeth feels all alone, without family and with few friends, and burdened by the terrible secret she hides.

This was a good historical novel about the voyage on the Mayflower and the settling of Plymouth colony. Elizabeth Tilley was a real passenger on the Mayflower, and the authors did a good job at imagining what her life might have been like in the first years of the colony. I would recommend this book to young readers who enjoy stories about Colonial America and the Pilgrims.