California Young Reader Medal
2010 · Middle School · Nominee
About This Book
400 years ago, a boy fought to survive in James Town...
Samuel Collier came from nothing. A street urchin, an orphan and, even a thief, he seems headed for a life in the alleys 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, Samuel realizes that the New World is nothing like he imagined. The lush Virginia shore where they settle is both beautiful and forbidding, and it's hard to know who's friend or foe. The settlers' troubles are just beginning—the summer of 1607 brings mysterious illness, and winter brings starvation. It's soon clear to Samuel that the ways of the English don't always work in this unfamiliar land. The settlers need to find new ways. 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.
Samuel Collier came from nothing. A street urchin, an orphan and, even a thief, he seems headed for a life in the alleys 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, Samuel realizes that the New World is nothing like he imagined. The lush Virginia shore where they settle is both beautiful and forbidding, and it's hard to know who's friend or foe. The settlers' troubles are just beginning—the summer of 1607 brings mysterious illness, and winter brings starvation. It's soon clear to Samuel that the ways of the English don't always work in this unfamiliar land. The settlers need to find new ways. 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.
Series Placement
Awards
Georgia Children's Book Award
2009 · Children's Book (Grades 4 - 8) · Nominee
Grand Canyon Reader Award
2009 · Intermediate · Nominee
Nutmeg Book Award
2009 · Intermediate · Nominee
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
2009 · Grades 6-8 · Nominee
Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award
2009 · Grades 4-8 · Nominee
Rhode Island Children's Book Award
2008 · Grades 3-6 · Nominee
South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award
2008 · Junior Book · Nominee
Virginia Readers Choice Award
2008 · Middle School · Nominee
Volunteer State Book Award
2008 · Grades 4-6 · Nominee
Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens
2007 · Ten to Fourteen · Recommended
Jefferson Cup
2007 · Young Adults · Winner
