Ok, the first time I read this book was for a 7th grade reading assignment-and that was well over 20 years ago, but this book has stayed in my heart ever since. Its a very well written story about a young girl who came over from England on the Mayflower and lived through the struggles that the Pilgrims went through in their first years of Plimouth Plantation. This is for the most part, a true story, written by Patricia Clapp, who's husband is an actual descendant of Constance. The story has adventure, romance and I felt the pain that these people went through during one of the most important times of our history. This book opened in me an interest in life in Plimouth. I was lucky enough to live in New England and visited the Plantation often. I highly recommend this book to young teens, as well as older. Somewhere I still have my copy (that I bought back when I was in 7th grade), and its a book that I would read again.

I first read Constance last year when my 6th grade teacher recommended it. I adored it- the weekend I read it, Constance was my constant companion! I just finished reading it again and it was even better the second time through! I really feel like I bonded with Constance, and now I am doing as much research as I can on her. She was a real person, and as it says in the book, all the characters but one really existed. Through her diary, Constance tells of her journey across the Atlantic from London to Massachusetts, and gives wonderful details about the building and founding of Plymouth Colony. Through Constance I felt the pain of "the sickness" that claimed many lives during their first winter, became tangled in her complex love triangle, and felt outraged at the two men who tried to destroy Plymouth's peace. Constance was detailed, well written, interesting, exciting, and romantic. I would recommend this book to anyone, but I almost don't want to share it at all, since I feel like it's "my book"! This book found a very special place in my heart, and I wish I could thank Patricia Clapp for the many hours of contentment, excitement, and utter bliss she has given me! Constance is an exceptional read!

I first heard of about "Constance: A Story of Early Plymouth" in ninth grade from my friend. She implored me to read it. I was hesitant at first. I was a fairly advanced reader for my age, and this book had clearly been written for a younger audience. I trusted my friend's judgement, however. We had read "Anna Karenina" together the year before, so I knew that she had good taste in books. On a whim, I decided to read it. Once I had picked "Constance" up, I could not put it down.It was simply an enchanting, romantic story. Far from feeling to old to appreciate it, my maturity seemed almost a benefit. Constanc's boyfriends were the perfect romantic men. They reminded me of very simple versions of Mr. Darcy. This book appeals not only to fifth and sixth graders, but to adolescent girls as well. Any girl who likes pre-20th century romance novels will adore "Constance." The one thing I dislike about Constance is her shallow character. She is not exactly the feminist ideal of a woman. She is foolish and dependent.If one ignores this flaw, however, the book is thouroughly enjoyable. And you don't even have to be ten to like it!

It is hard to predict how the politically correct police will respond to the publication of this engaging children's book. While the lead character is an Indian (or Native American or whatever p.c. term is in vogue these days) which they generally view positively, he is also a Christian which they generally view negatively. The plot twist that has Squanto embracing the Christian faith should truly ruffle some feathers (so to speak) because faddish dictates say that all religions save Christianity and Judaism are beneficial. Obviously by finding his new faith, he leaves the old one behind.

Well, it's too bad that the censorious elites may go on the warpath over this uplifting true story, because they will miss out on a great read. While Squanto's name is relatively familiar, his biography is penumbral to even many well-educated Americans. His story should be better known because he personified the American Spirit before there was a United States.

Kidnapped as a boy of twelve and taken across the ocean as promising chattel in the slave trade, he was blessed to have been "purchased" by some monks who took pity on him. (In a truly irritating development to the p.c. crowd it is his liberators who are portrayed as religious while his evil captors are not.) The Italian monks strive to return Squanto to his family but the homecoming takes ten years. Sadly that is too late as a plague has wiped out his entire village before his return. The remainder of the story summarizes the famous part of Squanto's life--his mutually salvific interactions with the Pilgrims. Charmingly illustrated this American tale may not be the best for very young children because it deals honestly with depravity of the slave trade although that is a tertiary focus of the story. And though the target audience is much younger, adults will enjoy this salutary narrative of a remarkable life that knew devastating heartbreak and ultimately redemptive joy.

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.

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.

Robert Ellis Smith colors the historical settings for the many pivotal developments, cases and treatise related to privacy. From a description of the Puritan "Tythingmen", who were charged with keeping their eyes on ten families (including the right to inspect the inside of homes), through Madison's early drafts of the First Amendment, forward all the way to the "DoubleClick" controversy, "Ben Franklin's Web Site" covers the myriad of privacy related issues with great elan.

With more than 25 years of experience writing on privacy issues in his newsletter, Privacy Journal, Smith has written a clear, readable history of privacy in America that weaves the various threads of and threats to privacy together in a well-documented fashion. From Americans' insatiable curiosity to the tabloid press, from mistrust of the census to the endless collection of personal information we face today, Smith examines it all thoroughly and cogently. Certainly the best book on privacy I have read. Highly recommended both for those who know something about the area already and those who would like to know more.

Robert Ellis Smith brings the privacy debate back home and to an understandable level in "Ben Franklin's Web Site : Privacy and Curiosity from Plymouth Rock to the Internet." Many privacy books dwell on obscure legal cases that bore the reader to a near state of torpidity. Not so with Mr. Smith's common sense descriptions and explanations of privacy issues throughout the American experience. Aside from giving the reader the ability to understand the importance of privacy in a number of critical facets, this book is just plain fun to read.

Obviously, the writer, director, actors, composer, and musicians are in total control of their craft. The Plimoth Adventure seems to be a work of art. The music is a special treat, with a recurring theme, and a feeling distantly reminiscent of Vaughan Williams' "A Sea Symphony," and having the catchy pop sensibilities of Monteverdi's "Vespro della Beata Vergine." The background effects ring true, and these include sounds of ransacking, rowing, water rushing, snapping fires, raising anchors, background conversation in a tavern, seagulls, cannon fire, and a scary thunderstorm. The story, as related by a lively dialogue, concerns efforts of the dissenters to escape to Holland, soldiers in Holland threatening the dissenters, commentary regarding 12 years in Holland, plans to move to Virginia, problems with the Speedwell leaking, attempts to fix the Speedwell, and commentary on where to land in America, e.g., how to avoid shoals. An amusing episode concerns a ship employee who wanted to throw all the dissenters overboard, who got sick onboard and died, and who himself was thrown overboard.

In school, I did not enjoy the chapters about the Pilgrims. They were dry and boring. But, in this show I learned that they really did some brave things and I am kind of proud of them. Americans rock and so did the pigrims at Plymouth rock! (get it?)

I have to admit that I am a real buff of historical fiction. While this tape is historically correct, it remains both exciting and fun. We listened to it over the Thanksgiving holiday, and must admit that it added terrifically to the mood. We all really enjoyed it.

I am a Kindergarten teacher and this is a great book to read to them. It has excellent pictures. The words can be difficult for Kindergarteners to understand, however, with a little preparation, they will grasp the concept of the book. This book shows the daily lives of a Pilgrim girl. Samuel Eaton's Day compliments this book.

We originally bought this book at Plimoth Village. My children love it. Having photos of people in actual period dress makes it so much easier to understand that they were real people and they lived differently from us. I share our copy of the book with my children's teachers every fall and they all love it and beg for our copy. Tonight, I'm buying them their own!

This book is a photo-journal portrayal of the life of a girl in early America. Based on a real-life child, the recreation (interpretation) in historic setting makes the reader feel as if he or she is right there, living the life.

It provides a great day-in-the-life picture. I borrowed this book from the library because it is part of the "core curriculum" recommended by E.D. Hirsch.

My 6 year old daughter now has a very concrete basis for comparing her own life to what it might have been at another time. It's inspiring and fun. And a great teaching tool (as mentioned in the previous review.)

I thought that this book was a really good book. The best part about it was that it had to do with history. I think it will still keep the interest of kids while teaching them about what happened back then. It also had great pictures. While I was reading it, the pictures jumped out at me. It wasn't too lengthy either. I found that to be quite nice. I would recommend it to children if they are looking for an interesting and educational book. With this book, you can not only enjoy it, but you can also learn. That is why I gave it 5 stars.

N.C. Wyeth studied under Howard Pyle, the father of American illustration, and it clearly shows in this book about the Pilgrims. In 1940 Wyeth was commissioned by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York to paint the murals used to illustrate this book, completing fourteen murals in five years before dying in a car accident. Wyeth proposed a historical series entitled "The Ballad of America" that would begin with the Pilgrims and continue through the California gold rush, but Met Life decided to limit the series to the Plymouth colony. Wyeth challenging the prevailing belief of Pilgrim society as unremittingly grim by painting scenes that reflected his romantic and lyrical style. He expanded his original vision to include scenes of wildlife, trying to give an idea of the beautiful land the Pilgrims found in the New World.

This book was inspired in part by the restoration of the murals in 1984. The text accompanying the illustrations is by Robert San Souci, who provides details on what is known about the real pilgrims. While not as dramatic as the illustrations he did for "Treasure Island," "Robin Hood," and "The Last of the Mohicans," these murals have their moments. Particularly memorable is one of the Pilgrims standing on a hill, watching a ship sail back to England. The mural of Thanksgiving seems odd because there is only one Indian seated at the long table awaiting the turkey (while the text recalls how "Chief Massasoit arrived with ninety men, women, and children"). Young readers will learn something about the Pilgrims from reading this book, but the chief charm is clearly the murals by Wyeth. Certainly these deserve to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The lush, romanticized illustrations--in the same tradition as Norman Rockwell--by renowned American artist N.C. Wyeth, are what first draws young readers to this book. While the paintings taken from Wyeth's murals may not always line up with the clear, concise writing of Robert San Souci, it doesn't detract from the narrative.

This is a classy book for middle grade students, providing a readable account of the Pilgrim's journey aboard the Mayflower and first year in New England. While the illustrations may be idealized, San Souci leaves no doubt that life was difficult for the settlers of Plymouth.

Notes at the end of the book provide interesting and helpful background on the writing of the book and information about the artist, who died in 1945, and the murals that are the source of these illustrations.

This is a nice addition for information on New England colonial life, as well as the feast of Thanksgiving.

The previous edition of this book, published in 1973, has been a favorite introduction to the Pilgrims for primary students in our school for many years. Written at about a third grade reading level, it works as a readable chapter book, as well as a quick read-aloud. The black, white and turquoise drawings in the older version were adequate, but the text always deserved more detailed and interesting illustrations. While I have not see this new edition, it appears that this situation has now been remedied.

My students have always taken an interest in the kid's perspective of life aboard the Mayflower and during the first year at Plymouth. They love to know that the Pilgrims took two dogs and a cat with them. They wonder about the "same old salted beef and fish" that had to be eaten. They plug their noses when they think about the Pilgrims wearing "the same clothes every day," even sleeping in them.

They marvel at the straw roofs of the new homes being set on fire by sparks that flew up the chimney. They are stunned to learn that good manners meant children had to stand during meals, and that they could only speak when spoken to by an adult. Then my students smack their lips at the many foods that were eaten at the first Thanksgiving: wild turkeys, geese, ducks, deer, lobsters, clams, oysters and fish, not to mention the many vegetables, and of course, popcorn.

I look forward to adding the new edition of this classic to our library collection.

The previous edition of this book, published in 1973, has been a favorite introduction to the Pilgrims for primary students in our school for many years. Written at about a third grade reading level, it works as a readable chapter book, as well as a quick read-aloud. The black, white and turquoise drawings in the older version were adequate, but the text always deserved more detailed and interesting illustrations. While I have not see this new edition, it appears that this situation has now been remedied.

My students have always taken an interest in the kid's perspective of life aboard the Mayflower and during the first year at Plymouth. They love to know that the Pilgrims took two dogs and a cat with them. They wonder about the "same old salted beef and fish" that had to be eaten. They plug their noses when they think about the Pilgrims wearing "the same clothes every day," even sleeping in them.

They marvel at the straw roofs of the new homes being set on fire by sparks that flew up the chimney. They are stunned to learn that good manners meant children had to stand during meals, and that they could only speak when spoken to by an adult. Then my students smack their lips at the many foods that were eaten at the first Thanksgiving: wild turkeys, geese, ducks, deer, lobsters, clams, oysters and fish, not to mention the many vegetables, and of course, popcorn.

I look forward to adding the new edition of this classic to our library collection.

Wonderful full color, life-like illustrations on every page. You won't waste your money on this PILGRIMS ! Very well done prespective of the pilgrim children's lives. How did they spend their time? Good introduction to Squanto. Happy Thanksgiving !

I am continually amazed at how children's books offer detail and insight into daily life that no stout history book can provide.

Writing the same review for the other two in this trilogy. Excellent all!

This is a wonderful, wonderful book. It will help you teach your children about hard work, perseverance, and family. My children want it read to them again and again.

Young Samuel Eaton (a historical character) is looking forward to his first chance to help his father bring in the crops. He finds the work incredibly hard, and the coarse grain raises bad blisters on his hands. But he perseveres, and at the end of the day when his father tells him "you did a man's work today, Samuel," we feel his pride.

Masterfully written, beautifully photographed, this is a gem in every way.

This book took us back to 1627. We learned all about Samuel Eaton's first day as a man. He told us all about the hard work he had to do in the fields. It was so interesting to read a story that used different words from long ago. The pictures were awesome! They showed us the clothing the pilgrims wore, what their house looked like, and the hard work everybody did. We thought it would be difficult to be a pilgrim boy! We think everyone should read this book because you can learn a lot about how the pilgrims lived. Read this wonderful book!

How To Rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines by Don Taylor is a very informative book. It covers everything from inspection of your old engine, removal from vehicle to disassembly and reassembly. Also includes proper cleaning techniques as well as machining recommendations. This detailed book includes casting numbers for blocks, cranks, rods, cylinder heads, intake manifolds and water pump housings for those who want an accurate restoration or those needing help with identification of parts. This book is more detailed about B/RB disassembly/reassembly and problem areas and tips to make the job easier than other general engine rebuilding books. Don gives step by step instructions on reassembly with plenty of pictures to help. This book will help the novice or experienced engine builder do a better job on his Mopar.

I have rebuilt many engines of many different brands, I have read MANY books on rebuilding these engines, and this book by FAR is the best book I have seen, It gives step by step instructions and it makes doing it SOOO easy, even if you have never picked up a wrench, with this book you can rebuild a Big Block Mopar. This book actually makes doing work fun and easy. This book is a MUST for any person who wants to rebuild a BB Mopar and build it right.

Eric

I have not worked on cars for 20 years but then I bought a 76 Dodge Pickup that needed engine work. I knew that I would be over my head when I removed the valve covers. That is when I decided to get a book on Mopar engines. When I received the book I started reading expecting a book for mechanics, but what I found was a how-to rebuild a big block Mopar. It is written as if the author was telling you step by step just exactly how to remove, disassemble and repair the engine. He told what to look for and how to fix it. Then step by step how to re-assemble the engine and put it back in the vehicle. All of the while passing informative tips and a few tricks. The book helped me avoid several costly mistakes. It is a must have for anyone considering rebuilding a big block Chrysler.

In the colonial stage of America's discovery, Europeans' conception of America appeared to be positive because at this stage the subject was the exploration and settlement of America and that was why Europeans received exaggerating accounts of the New World and its manifold opportunities. The colonizers' tracts and the travelers' accounts exaggerated the romantic attractions of the New World. The vast and abundant resources of the New World were admired, in a propagandistic and persuasive discourse. Both the Puritans and the colonizers (which were often one and the same) wrote exaggerating accounts of their adventures to lure Europeans over to the New World. Mourt's Relation (1622) was written to persuade Europeans that life in Massachusetts was a venture in a plentiful land. The book overlooks the calamities of the first winter and overstates the rich resources of Massachusetts. Yet, it is an excellent read.

This is an excellent book. The unknown author ("Mourt") describes in detail the accounts of life during the settlement of the Pilgrims. "He" describes the account in a day-to-day style, accounting for making food, building houses, and encounters with the indigenous peoples. The Pilgrams' travels to find a home and the actual settling are fascinating and well described. I will never think of the Pilgrims or indigenous peoples the same way again. Overall, this book is very insightful.

The language is archaic, I feel I must warn you. But if you can get past that, and you like colonial history, you'll love this one. It will give you a much better idea about the Pilgrams, far beyond the over-dramatized and unrealistically happy Thanksgiving story.

This delightful little book describes the first year of the Pilgrims in America. Written to make life in Massachusetts sound like an adventure in a bounteous land, the book ignores the extreme hardship of the first winter and instead focuses on the rich resources of Massachusetts and the relationship the Pilgrims developed with the Indians. Here, the book drives home two points: (1) Europeans had long come to North American to fish and trade. These activities left a mixed legacy that the pilgrims had to overcome. (2) The Indians were everywhere. In fact, the first trip by the Pilgrims to visit chief Massasoit was motivated in part by this fact: Indians families were coming in great numbers to Plymouth to look at the English and interact with them. This was keeping the English from focusing on their farming. A wonderful book!