Samuel Eaton's Day by Kate Waters

Title/Series:   Samuel Eaton’s Day – A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy

Author: Kate Waters

Pages: 39 pages

Copyright  Date: 1993

Reading Level:  3^rd grade

Interest Level:  2^nd -4^th grade

Summary:  This historical fiction book tells the story of the pilgrim Samuel Eaton’s first rye harvest with his father.  If Samuel Eaton can prove that he is a good worker, he will be able to help with all of the harvest!  The day begins with getting dressed with his garters and doublet.  Before Samuel even begins to harvest he has fetched water, set his snare, and gathered firewood!  Will Samuel have the strength to do well with his first rye harvest?

Educational: Great– This book does an excellent job of describing and showing the life of a pilgrim boy.  The photographs of the Plimoth Plantation and everyday life of pilgrims really shows how life was during the seventeenth century.  The story is also excellent as it tells details of what a day would be like for a pilgrim boy.  It describes things such as clothing, meals, chores, family, and traditions.  This story would be a good addition to a discussion on Thanksgiving.

Content: Good – teaches about the life of children in the seventeenth century, but also tells a good story of a boy becoming a man

Message: Average– shows the benefit of hard work

Sara Morton's Day by Kate Waters shows the day in the life of a pilgrim girl.  This story also includes excellent photographs with a detailed story.