The Mayflower Mouse

This is a 57-page historical fiction book with a fictional stowaway mouse telling the story of the Pilgrims' voyage to America and their settlement of Plimoth in 1620 and 1621. The book has quotes from Governor Bradford's journal, historical fine art depicting the Pilgrims, and new art on the front and back covers and throughout the text. The book includes places to visit, advice on journal writing, and suggested student activities. The story of the English Pilgrims' trip on the Mayflower ship to find their religious freedom in Massachusetts and to found Plymouth, America's hometown, in 1620 and 1621, is told through the eyes of a stowaway mouse and his journal. The book describes the voyage of the Mayflow, the discovery missions on Cape Cod, working with the Wampanoag people, and the settlement of Plimoth. 10 excepts from William Bradford's journal and writings are included in the story. The use of passages from the journal of William Bradford ignites a love of history early on, demonstrates the value of journal-keeping, and encourages readers to research their unique family histories and document their findings as they embark on adventures of their own. The story of the loss of Governor Bradford's Journal during the Revolutionary War and its return to Massachusetts over 100 years later is told at the end of the story of the Pilgrims.