This one is for a slightly older crowd. Written in timeline form, The Pilgrim Story by William Franklin Atgood, draws from the journals of William Bradford and Edward Winslow to recreate the story of the pilgrims from their time in Scrooby to events shortly following the death of Bradford in 1643.
If you are looking for resources for younger children you’ll find alternatives below. Older children can read the original Bradford journal and other primary source documents. For those in the middle, The Pilgrim Story by Atgood provides a bridge from one level to the other. The woodcut illustrations also tend to make the book more accessible.
Another option for this one is to select it as the family read-aloud spine, with each student reading related books on their own at their own level.
The Pilgrim Story was originally copyrighted in 1940 by Plimoth Plantation. Since then there have been fourteen editions, the last in 1987.
Just in time for Thanksgiving. And it is free!
Free eBook
Suggestions
- Create a Pilgrim Story notebook.
- Narrate each reading.
- Illustrate and copy a favorite section from each chapter
- Include a timeline showing the major events listed.
- Include a map showing the Pilgrims’ journey from Scrooby, England, to Plimoth.
Additional Resources
Stories of the Pilgrims by Margaret B. Pumphrey
One of those perpetual favorites in our home to be read each year and perfect for the younger set. Tells the story of the Pilgrims’ voyage and adventures in the new land. There are many different versions available including one in the public domain illustrated by the author of the Little Twins series. Read our full review with activities and links to the free public domain download.
Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey
Another option for younger students or as a family read-aloud. The warm, beautiful illustrations match the tone as the author describes the Pilgrims’ gratefulness through their difficulties. One way to encourage our children to have grateful hearts! Read our full review.
Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Bulla
Family favorite by a favorite author that tells the story of the Indian who befriended the Pilgrims. This one makes a great go-along for young students to read on their own.
Thanksgiving Primary Source Teacher Guide {Free}
Guide to primary sources available for older students.
Primary Sources for the “First Thanksgiving” at Plymouth
Read what really happened. From the Bradford and Winslow journals. Free download at the Pilgrim Hall Museum includes a list of those in attendance.
Of Plymouth Plantation
The original Bradford journal published by Dover.
Bradford’s History of the Plymouth Settlement
Free audio version from LibriVox.
Activities
You Are There: The Sailing of the Mayflower
Originally aired in 1947 and was narrated by CBS news reporter John Daly. The You Are There series of radio broadcasts were dramatizations of historical events presented as live radio coverage.
Thanksgiving Interactive: You are the Historian
Interactive from Plimoth Plantation that helps students learn what really happened. Includes a helpful Teacher’s Guide.
Unit Studies & Lesson Plans
Thanksgiving {Holiday Helps}
Many, many resources to broaden your studies!
Notebooking Pages & Printables
Drawing & Writing Notebooking Paper {Free Download}
Paper with room for narrations below and illustrations above. Perfect for creating a Pilgrim Story notebook.
DIY Homeschooler 