Journey to Jamestown

by Lois Ruby

Published 16 May 2005
My Side of the Story is completely unique approach to historical fiction. Read the story of one youngster's life in turbulent times, then flip the book and find out first hand how another child reacts to the same events - with very different feelings and results! 12 year old Elias is one of the first people to arrive in Jamestown as the English colonists land on America's east coast. Elias is an apprentice surgeon, and is both excited and a little frightened at the new life he is starting out. Initally the new arrivals are friendly with native Pamunkee tribes, but when the settlers establish new ways, friction and tough times result. In the woods Elias comes across a young Pamunkee boy who only speaks in the native tongue. But the boy's sister speaks some English and flax-coloured hair. Elias is intrigued by this girl and begins a friendship with her, a friendship that will be sorely tested by the conflicts of the natives and colonists...13 year old Sacahocan is a bright Pamunkee Indian girl. She witnesses the arrival of the fleet of English ships and is anxious like her fellow tribespeople.
Her life is at an important stage - she is soon to be married to Kecuttannowas, and the preparations for the ceremony are under way. However, fate intervenes. Not only are the colonists causing trouble for her people, she has also met a young English boy Elias who she likes spending time with. What will happen when events outside her control force Sacahocan to decide between her logic and her feelings?