1607: A New Look at Jamestown, written by Karen E. Lange with photographs by Ira Block, is a National Geographic children’s book that promotes the rediscovery of Jamestown beyond the common misconceptions that have prevailed through the years. Lange captures the essence of what life was like in Jamestown by covering the strengths and weaknesses of the settlers in Jamestown and their interaction with the Native Americans and their environment.
Life in the brand-new Jamestown colony in 1607 wasn’t easy. The settlers arrived full of hope–then hard times brought despair.”
Curriculum Connections
1607: A New Look at Jamestown would be a great resource for teaching students about the first permanent English settlement in America and what life was like during this time (VS.3/VS.4). Teachers may integrate aspects of the English curriculum by having students write from the perspective of a settler about their experiences in Jamestown in 1607.
Additional Resources
- Freedom Project Lesson Plan: In this lesson, students will be asked to identify the people, events, and challenges of the Jamestown settlement.
- National Geographic video and pictures of the struggle for settlers to survive against hostile Indians, drought, and hunger.
- Explore Jamestown virtually
- Jamestown adventure: online game with John Smith
- Jamestown diary webquest
Book: 1607 A New Looka t Jamestown
Author: Karen E. Lange
Photographs by: Ira Block
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books
Publication Date: 2007
Pages:48
Grade Range: 3-5
ISBN: 1426300123