Waters, Kate. Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy. Scholastic Paperbacks (1996). ISBN-10: 0590480537

Plot Summary and Evaluation

Through this book, we, the readers, get to see what life was like in the earlier part of the 1600s. The character in this book, Samuel Eaton, was an actual Pilgrim boy who lived in Plymouth. Readers will spend an entire day with him during the very important harvest season. Through him, we see what people ate, how they dressed, and what their chores were like. This book, and the companion book Sarah Morton’s Day, is illustrated with photographs from the Plymouth Plantation, an outdoor living history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Reader's Annotation

This book shows what the early 1600s were like through the eyes of Samuel Eaton, an actual Pilgrim boy.

About the Author

Kate grew up part of a large family. Her mother often read to Kate, her two sisters, and three brothers. She recalls that, as a child, the most important things in her life were books and her dress-up box. Kate has written several books that showcase the Pilgrim time period. She often works with Russ Kendall, a photographer, when writing children’s books.

Genre

Nonfiction (history)

Curriculum Ties

Language Arts, Social Studies

Booktalking Ideas

Have you ever wondered what life was like for a Pilgrim living in 1627? Check out Kate Waters’ book about Samuel Eaton’s first day as a man. We learn about his work in the fields, and what clothing and homes were like. An interesting read!

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 8+

Reason for Book Selection

This books showcases a single boy and what his daily life was like as a Pilgrim.