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Scholastic Biography
Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims
Tells of the adventurous life of the Wampanoag Indian, Squanto.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 1954
32 people are currently reading
1131 people want to read
About the author
Clyde Robert Bulla
102 books99 followersBorn to be a Writer
Almost as far back as he can remember, Clyde Robert Bulla wanted to write. Born on a farm in a small town in Missouri, Mr. Bulla's first school was a one-room country schoolhouse. One day his teacher asked each first grade student what he or she would do with a thousand dollars. Young Clyde answered that he would buy a table. His classmates laughed heartily, and his teacher was puzzled. “What I really meant,” says Mr. Bulla, “is a desk or other flat surface on which to write my stories!”
First Stories
Mr. Bulla's first piece of writing was titled, “How Planets Were Born.” The ambitious opening sentence was, “One night old Mother Moon had a million babies.” All through school, Mr. Bulla continued to write stories mostly, but plays and poetry, too. After years of gathering editor's rejection slips, Mr. Bulla sold a magazine story, then several more. Soon after, Mr. Bulla wrote a novel and a publisher accepted it.
The Difficult Years
In the excitement of publishing a novel, Mr. Bulla wrote two more books. Unfortunately, no one wanted to publish them. His luck took a turn for the worse when the publisher of his first book went bankrupt. For several years, he worked at a local weekly newspaper where he struggled with linotype, kept books, collected bills, and wrote a weekly column.
Success!
A couple of Mr. Bulla's weekly columns caught the attention of a well-known author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote to Mr. Bulla, suggesting that he try writing a children's book. He immediately sent her a manuscript for a children's book he'd written a year before. Within one week, an editor of a New York publisher read the manuscript,and it was accepted. The book was The Donkey Cart, published in 1946. Since then, Mr. Bulla has written over twenty books for children, as well as the music for several children's song books.
About The Chalk Box Kid
“When I was young,” explains Mr. Bulla, “I sometimes found it hard to cope in new surroundings, and I was apt to get off on the wrong foot. This is the story of a boy who got off on the wrong foot in a new school and how he tried to cope.” In describing the chalk garden, Mr. Bulla says, “I gave Gregory something I've always wished for: a big, blank wall that I could cover with my own drawings.”
Almost as far back as he can remember, Clyde Robert Bulla wanted to write. Born on a farm in a small town in Missouri, Mr. Bulla's first school was a one-room country schoolhouse. One day his teacher asked each first grade student what he or she would do with a thousand dollars. Young Clyde answered that he would buy a table. His classmates laughed heartily, and his teacher was puzzled. “What I really meant,” says Mr. Bulla, “is a desk or other flat surface on which to write my stories!”
First Stories
Mr. Bulla's first piece of writing was titled, “How Planets Were Born.” The ambitious opening sentence was, “One night old Mother Moon had a million babies.” All through school, Mr. Bulla continued to write stories mostly, but plays and poetry, too. After years of gathering editor's rejection slips, Mr. Bulla sold a magazine story, then several more. Soon after, Mr. Bulla wrote a novel and a publisher accepted it.
The Difficult Years
In the excitement of publishing a novel, Mr. Bulla wrote two more books. Unfortunately, no one wanted to publish them. His luck took a turn for the worse when the publisher of his first book went bankrupt. For several years, he worked at a local weekly newspaper where he struggled with linotype, kept books, collected bills, and wrote a weekly column.
Success!
A couple of Mr. Bulla's weekly columns caught the attention of a well-known author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote to Mr. Bulla, suggesting that he try writing a children's book. He immediately sent her a manuscript for a children's book he'd written a year before. Within one week, an editor of a New York publisher read the manuscript,and it was accepted. The book was The Donkey Cart, published in 1946. Since then, Mr. Bulla has written over twenty books for children, as well as the music for several children's song books.
About The Chalk Box Kid
“When I was young,” explains Mr. Bulla, “I sometimes found it hard to cope in new surroundings, and I was apt to get off on the wrong foot. This is the story of a boy who got off on the wrong foot in a new school and how he tried to cope.” In describing the chalk garden, Mr. Bulla says, “I gave Gregory something I've always wished for: a big, blank wall that I could cover with my own drawings.”
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
November 4, 2022
I still remember when I picked this up as a beginning reader. It was the thrill of reading an "older kid's book about a real person" that made it exciting, and the more mature narrative flow that made me feel accomplished. Some books you don't forget.
I've recently read a few other titles by Clyde Robert Bulla and found them to hold the same quality of writing - a nice step up from early chapter books.
So hand this over to your kiddo with confidence.
Ages: 6 - 11
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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I've recently read a few other titles by Clyde Robert Bulla and found them to hold the same quality of writing - a nice step up from early chapter books.
So hand this over to your kiddo with confidence.
Ages: 6 - 11
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
September 20, 2023
Bland, sanitized historical dramatization where the protagonist has to speak in stereotypical broken English because he's Native American, this despite years living amongst English speakers and being portrayed as an interpreter.
Whenever I hear people complain about history being erased nowadays, I always think of whitewashed history like this that has prevailed for centuries. Squanto is basically erased even in a book that's ostensibly about him, reducing him to his value to the white guys around him or making his fate dependent on the good graces of a series of white saviors.
Whenever I hear people complain about history being erased nowadays, I always think of whitewashed history like this that has prevailed for centuries. Squanto is basically erased even in a book that's ostensibly about him, reducing him to his value to the white guys around him or making his fate dependent on the good graces of a series of white saviors.
November 24, 2020
As a child in primary school about 50 years ago, I first read "SQUANTO, Friend of the Pilgrims." It was such a wonder to me then. I loved this book. I think I went on to read "Squanto"a second time, because it left such a deep impression on me.
January 7, 2022
“The Indian boy lay hidden in the tall grass.”
Sugar-coated version of contact between native Americans and English explorers and settlers. A young reader’s book published in 1954. Disregarding all the historical inaccuracies—not to mention politically incorrect vocabulary—it still serves its function to entertain as well as, perhaps, encourage further reading.
Little is actually known about the native American who, speaking English, welcomed the Pilgrims at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. Intense journalists that the Pilgrims were, his role with them is well documented. Before that, not so much. Bulla’s version is supported by some evidence, though it differs from the “received wisdom” of Wikipedia.
Further, the text is flawed by inconsistencies and impossibilities which knock a mature reader out of the story, but probably won’t bother an eight to ten-year-old.
Excellent illustrations by Peter Burchard.
“This is my home.” “Were you talking to the trees?” asked John Billington. “That’s foolish, if you were. A tree doesn’t know what you’re saying.” But the little girl put her hand in Squanto’s, as if she understood.
Sugar-coated version of contact between native Americans and English explorers and settlers. A young reader’s book published in 1954. Disregarding all the historical inaccuracies—not to mention politically incorrect vocabulary—it still serves its function to entertain as well as, perhaps, encourage further reading.
Little is actually known about the native American who, speaking English, welcomed the Pilgrims at what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. Intense journalists that the Pilgrims were, his role with them is well documented. Before that, not so much. Bulla’s version is supported by some evidence, though it differs from the “received wisdom” of Wikipedia.
Further, the text is flawed by inconsistencies and impossibilities which knock a mature reader out of the story, but probably won’t bother an eight to ten-year-old.
Excellent illustrations by Peter Burchard.
“This is my home.” “Were you talking to the trees?” asked John Billington. “That’s foolish, if you were. A tree doesn’t know what you’re saying.” But the little girl put her hand in Squanto’s, as if she understood.
June 17, 2013
I mean....I guess this book has a relatively accurate timeline of major events, but I really don't think it should be classified as nonfiction (as it was at my library). To me, it's historical fiction, since Bulla made up the quotes, feelings, and even some actions, of multiple historical figures. The story is sympathetic to Squanto and the other Native Americans, but at the same time, it often feels very...congratulatory (?) to the white men. It gave me the creeps.
February 28, 2023
This is such a wonderful biography for the lower grade readers (grades 2-4). It is amazing to see the providence of God in working things out to put Squanto where he did, when he did, to be able to help the English colonists survive. Squanto suffered a lot, but he was able, as it seems many are not in our PC age, to see that there were good white men and bad white men. This book doesn't show bad "Indians," but it does reflect accurately the mind sets of good and bad white men during the time in how they relate to the native Americans. Anyway, the story is wonderful. My third time reading it, second time reading it aloud to the kids.
November 14, 2019
In Bulla's book, "John Billington, Friend of Squanto," Squanto briefly recounts the events of his life and in this book- those events are elaborated on. In this book, John Billington is introduced very briefly in the last chapter.
After reading this book and "John Billington, Friend of Squanto," I am beyond fascinated by Squanto- especially after reading this book. Squanto endured so much- overcame so much- learned so much- suffered so much- died young- and was always a good man.
I highly recommend this book to people of all ages even though it is written for upper elementary school children.
After reading this book and "John Billington, Friend of Squanto," I am beyond fascinated by Squanto- especially after reading this book. Squanto endured so much- overcame so much- learned so much- suffered so much- died young- and was always a good man.
I highly recommend this book to people of all ages even though it is written for upper elementary school children.
February 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book although it different from Squanto and the miracle of Thanksgiving. Which confused me a bit. But once I read to the end, I realized that it just had more information in it than the other one did. Squanto and the Miracle has 37 pages and this one has 106, so of course it has more information. It's still quite the miracle that Squanto had his adventures in Europe and therefore learned English which enabled him to help the Pilgrims far more and far more quickly than he would have been able to with the language barrier. BOTH are very much worth reading.
October 16, 2017
I love Squanto. He was such a great guy. Every account I read, I like him better. I cannot imagine remaining positive after all that happened to him, yet he does. We all need an attitude like his.
November 28, 2023
First time reading aloud for Y4 & Y2 students for Thanksgiving. It was a fun intro to Squanto especially in conjunction with our colonist era history readings.
January 29, 2024
This was a school read, but I am still glad I read it! This was definitely written for a lot younger children (and I knew that) so I think the author wrote it very well to keep it short and sweet to hold their attention span but at the same time giving them good, basic information! I think this would be a great book for kids to read to learn more about early America (and England) from a different perspective! :)
November 12, 2022
My son read this as a third grader and liked it. As a substitute teacher I was asked recently to read a chapter a day to a fourth-grade class. This is a very simple story but it was enjoyable and held the attention of students. My stint in this class was not long enough to read the entire book. Thankfully I remembered this title was on my bookshelf at home so I was able to satisfy my curiosity about the book’s ending. I see this story as a springboard to learning more details about Squanto’s story.
July 6, 2011
Squanto is fascinated with the white men on the big ships that stop outside of his village. He is determined to travel with and learn from these men. Finally Squanto gets the chance to ride on the big ship and sail to England. Once there, Squanto is intrigued with all the new sights. The English are amazed with him also. He is put on display, literally, for people to look at. Squanto tires of England and wants to travel back to MA, and return to his family. However there are no ships going and he waits over one year to return to America. Upon his return, he finds his village empty and learns that all the people of his tribe are gone. Squanto is captured, sold into slavery in Spain, rescued by monks. He eventually returns to America and befriends the Pilgrims.
I had to remind myself that this book was written during a time period in which the author probably thought he was educating readers and showing them early American history. Unfortunately, this book does not show Native Americans in a positive light. Squanto is portrayed as wide-eyed, naive, and so eager to learn that he leaves his parents and tribe for the unknown. I hope that if this book is used in any classroom or library that it is with an adult that is able to have an honest discussion about distortion/inaccuracy of some groups.
I had to remind myself that this book was written during a time period in which the author probably thought he was educating readers and showing them early American history. Unfortunately, this book does not show Native Americans in a positive light. Squanto is portrayed as wide-eyed, naive, and so eager to learn that he leaves his parents and tribe for the unknown. I hope that if this book is used in any classroom or library that it is with an adult that is able to have an honest discussion about distortion/inaccuracy of some groups.
January 23, 2020
We finished Pocahontas today and started up into Squanto. I was reading right along, then had my girls working their IXL on devices while I continued to read. Then, before we knew it, they were begging me to finish the whole thing. This is our fourth experience with a story from the pen of Clyde Robert Bulla. While it was obvious that Pocahontas was a young girl, it was difficult to place just how old Squanto was with the story of Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims. The tale was riveting and we couldn't wait to see what would happen to him next, but it was awful and so much more than I remember reading in the picture book we have read in years past around Thanksgiving. But then I suppose that is to be expected to move from picture book to chapter book. What bad luck and melancholy, but then what a great way to move forward in life, even if only for two years. Another legendary Indian of North America to die young.
We own a paperback copy of this book as recommended by BookShark Level 3, Sonlight D, Ambleside Online 3, and The Good & the Beautiful History 2 (TGTB Reading Level 4).
We own a paperback copy of this book as recommended by BookShark Level 3, Sonlight D, Ambleside Online 3, and The Good & the Beautiful History 2 (TGTB Reading Level 4).
April 12, 2012
Although, this book is not really historically accurate, it is a good book to help children see what it might have been like (age level appropriate of course) for Squanto as he met the English, lived among them, was captured, and strives to return home. This is a fairly easy to read with some pictures laced throughout.
February 14, 2020
We read this as a read aloud in our homeschooling history. My 6 year old loved this book so much, I read him the whole thing in one sitting. We both learned (or relearned in my case) so much about Squanto!
March 31, 2008
This book is very good because it mostly talk about how is the people different from each other. It's also about adventure and going to discover new things .
Read
November 28, 2016I think everybody should read this book because I learned stuff about Squanto I did not Know before I read this book.
December 23, 2017
(My second-grader read this out loud to me - he loves Squanto...this book helped him form a relation to the person & historical time/events. We will probably choose another Bulla for his next!)
November 15, 2019
I wish I had read this as a kid. What an excellent book about a fascinating man. Thanks to Elizabeth for letting me read her copy!
January 15, 2022
Format: Scholastic paper back early chapter book
Reading level: probably 2nd or 3rd grade as a first chapter book.
This book has been on my classroom shelf since I bought it many, many years ago and then in my home library once I stopped teaching. I never read it and decided to give this little book a try.
This book would be good in a classroom to discuss when the Pilgrims arrived in the New World and what it was like before they even arrived. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the sadness and suffering Squanto went through as well as some other Native Americans. At least, he puts it at the level this audience could understand.
I think children would have a lot to discuss during this reading along with empathy for Squanto.
Reading level: probably 2nd or 3rd grade as a first chapter book.
This book has been on my classroom shelf since I bought it many, many years ago and then in my home library once I stopped teaching. I never read it and decided to give this little book a try.
This book would be good in a classroom to discuss when the Pilgrims arrived in the New World and what it was like before they even arrived. The author doesn’t sugarcoat the sadness and suffering Squanto went through as well as some other Native Americans. At least, he puts it at the level this audience could understand.
I think children would have a lot to discuss during this reading along with empathy for Squanto.
October 4, 2021
This was a sad book because of what happened to Squanto's tribe, but it was happy because he was able to help the English settlers. People who like American history of the 1600s would like this book.
October 11, 2023
I loved that Squanto kept trying.
Read
June 3, 2025Grayson read this to me.
December 15, 2018
Brings early American history to life
February 7, 2020
Too many historical inaccuracies to be able to recommend this one.
November 25, 2023
My youngest son and I read this book as part of his school work. I thought a lot of him when reading it. It's written in an entertaining way that kept my son excited to see what happened next.
January 21, 2020
Read this with Liam as part of his American history and we really enjoyed it. Perfect for his level to read along and the true story of Squanto’s life is fascinating.
December 30, 2024
4/several: must add the books I read to my class. My reading challenge has been suffering.
Really outdated and as some have stated, “whitewashed”. I just could not bring myself to read this story to my first grade class this year after observing its effects on the class last year (I was not the main teacher at the time). I skimmed through it again and could not imagine reading this to my students. While the story itself is important, I think it is more important to portray an indigenous story through an indigenous lens. Also, while this book may still have some merit to teach kids critical thinking skills of one sided historical literature, there is just too much harmful language and nuance (the word savage by the narration, the “white men” portrayed as a superior, etc.) that can be detrimental to impressionable young students who are just supposed to be learning about a historical event and the players at hand for the first time. It is a similar problem to when I read Gone with the Wind, which is not only used racist comments to depict a past event accurately, but also was written with that bias. Both Gone with the Wind and this Squanto book are products of their time of release, and hold some harmful biases in the portrayal of their accounts.
Instead of reading this book to my class, I found a several picture books to read about Squanto, indigenous people groups, their ways of life, and how it changed after the arrival of Europeans. This introduced the idea that there were more perspectives in addition to pilgrims, which I think was a much more important angle to tackle this story from, and was a more age appropriate approach while still remaining true to the complexity of the historical time period.
I’m not saying this book should be ‘banned’ as that is not something I believe in. The way this book was written itself is a mark on our history (whether that be good or bad). I am saying that it would definitely take a bigger conversation than I wanted to have with my large group of 6 year olds who are very impressionable, and in years past have thought it was funny to play “savages and white men” after reading this story. This book does not set up students for appropriately learning about and appreciating Native American culture and I can’t believe it took until 2024 and a new teacher to put an end to reading this book in class. I’d love to find a new read aloud book to replace this with for the future.
Really outdated and as some have stated, “whitewashed”. I just could not bring myself to read this story to my first grade class this year after observing its effects on the class last year (I was not the main teacher at the time). I skimmed through it again and could not imagine reading this to my students. While the story itself is important, I think it is more important to portray an indigenous story through an indigenous lens. Also, while this book may still have some merit to teach kids critical thinking skills of one sided historical literature, there is just too much harmful language and nuance (the word savage by the narration, the “white men” portrayed as a superior, etc.) that can be detrimental to impressionable young students who are just supposed to be learning about a historical event and the players at hand for the first time. It is a similar problem to when I read Gone with the Wind, which is not only used racist comments to depict a past event accurately, but also was written with that bias. Both Gone with the Wind and this Squanto book are products of their time of release, and hold some harmful biases in the portrayal of their accounts.
Instead of reading this book to my class, I found a several picture books to read about Squanto, indigenous people groups, their ways of life, and how it changed after the arrival of Europeans. This introduced the idea that there were more perspectives in addition to pilgrims, which I think was a much more important angle to tackle this story from, and was a more age appropriate approach while still remaining true to the complexity of the historical time period.
I’m not saying this book should be ‘banned’ as that is not something I believe in. The way this book was written itself is a mark on our history (whether that be good or bad). I am saying that it would definitely take a bigger conversation than I wanted to have with my large group of 6 year olds who are very impressionable, and in years past have thought it was funny to play “savages and white men” after reading this story. This book does not set up students for appropriately learning about and appreciating Native American culture and I can’t believe it took until 2024 and a new teacher to put an end to reading this book in class. I’d love to find a new read aloud book to replace this with for the future.
November 19, 2018
I have not stated reading it yet but I think it is going to be a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews