Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrams
I Can Read Book – Level 4 Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Clyde Robert Bulla’s classic early-chapter book tells the real-life story of Squanto, a Patuxet boy who was kidnapped by English sailors in 1605, survived years of enslavement and travel in Spain and England, and finally returned to find his village deserted by disease. Drawing on the limited historical record, Bulla crafts an accessible narrative that follows Squanto as he befriends the newly arrived Pilgrims at Plymouth, teaching them to plant corn, fish with traps, and survive the harsh New England climate. The book highlights cross-cultural cooperation and the first Thanksgiving, portraying Squanto’s resilience, generosity, and pivotal role in early American history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Squanto (Tisquantum)
William Bradford
Massasoit (Ousamequin)
Captain Thomas Dermer
John Slaney
Brother Luis
Captain Thomas Hunt
Discussion points
Why do you think Squanto chose to help the Pilgrims?
How might Squanto have felt when he found his village empty?
What traditions from the first Thanksgiving do we still practice?
What qualities make Squanto a good leader?
Tip: Role play these questions
Act out a barter scene to explore trade and cooperation.
Create a gratitude list after reading the Thanksgiving chapter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Squanto feels compassion for the starving Pilgrims despite past wrongs.
Real-World Application: Children can practice noticing when classmates need help.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: After enslavement and loss, Squanto rebuilds his life.
Real-World Application: Encourages perseverance when facing school challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural Exchange
Explanation: Sharing farming techniques benefits both Natives and Pilgrims.
Real-World Application: Children see value in learning from people who are different.