📖 Overview
Sarah Morton's Day follows a young girl's morning-to-night activities in Plymouth Colony in 1627. Through photographs taken at Plimoth Plantation, readers experience daily life as Sarah performs her chores and duties.
The book documents authentic period details through images of a modern child actor wearing traditional clothing and using actual tools from the era. Each photograph captures specific tasks and customs of 17th century colonial life, from food preparation to household responsibilities.
This illustrated historical account offers insights into the realities of childhood in early American settlements while making the past accessible to young readers. The combination of visual storytelling and historical accuracy creates an engaging window into an important period of American history.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate this photographic journey showing daily life at Plimoth Plantation through the eyes of a young girl. Teachers and parents report the book works well for elementary school units on Colonial America and Thanksgiving.
Liked:
- Clear, detailed photos that help children understand historical clothing and tasks
- Simple text that younger readers can follow
- First-person perspective makes history relatable
- Includes glossary explaining period terminology
Disliked:
- Some found the pacing slow
- A few readers wanted more historical background
- Limited appeal beyond elementary school age range
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.8/5 (248 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (245 reviews)
Notable Reader Comments:
"Perfect for teaching 2nd graders about colonial life" -Teacher on Amazon
"My 6-year-old asks to read this repeatedly" -Parent on Goodreads
"Photos bring history to life better than illustrations could" -Librarian review
📚 Similar books
Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters
A photographic narrative follows a seven-year-old Pilgrim boy through his daily tasks and responsibilities in Plymouth Colony, 1627.
On the Mayflower by Kate Waters Historic reenactors portray the journey across the Atlantic through the eyes of Remember Patience Whipple, a Pilgrim child aboard the Mayflower.
Tapenum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times by Kate Waters Through photographs and historical details, this book presents a day in the life of a young Wampanoag boy in 1620s New England.
A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith by Kathy Wilmore Photographs and text follow Paul Revere through his work and daily routines as a colonial craftsman in Boston.
If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern This book answers questions about colonial children's daily lives, including their chores, foods, clothing, and education in 1700s America.
On the Mayflower by Kate Waters Historic reenactors portray the journey across the Atlantic through the eyes of Remember Patience Whipple, a Pilgrim child aboard the Mayflower.
Tapenum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times by Kate Waters Through photographs and historical details, this book presents a day in the life of a young Wampanoag boy in 1620s New England.
A Day in the Life of a Colonial Silversmith by Kathy Wilmore Photographs and text follow Paul Revere through his work and daily routines as a colonial craftsman in Boston.
If You Lived in Colonial Times by Ann McGovern This book answers questions about colonial children's daily lives, including their chores, foods, clothing, and education in 1700s America.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Sarah Morton was a real girl who arrived in Plymouth Colony aboard the ship "Anne" in 1623, making her one of the earliest English settlers in America
🏠 The photographs in the book were taken at Plimoth Patuxet (formerly Plimoth Plantation), where modern-day interpreters recreate life exactly as it was in 1627 Plymouth
👗 The clothing worn by the young actress in the book is historically accurate, including multiple layers of linen undergarments and wool outer garments that were typical for Pilgrim children
🍲 The book shows authentic 17th-century cooking methods, including the use of a "trencher" - a wooden plate that was actually a piece of stale bread used to soak up food
📚 Author Kate Waters worked as a museum teacher at Plimoth Patuxet before becoming a children's book writer, giving her unique insight into daily colonial life