This was a very fun and informative take on history. There was so much information in this book that I didn’t know. I loved the illustrations and the overall comedic tone. I cannot wait to read the rest in the series.

I look forward to adding this book to my collection. It is very well-written and accessible, but doesn't shy away from the history of the English settlers who came to what is now modern-day Massachusetts. There is a generous list of additional resources and a lengthy bibliography so readers have some ideas of where they can learn more.

Kids want the real story and History Smashers gives it to them! . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I enjoyed the voice in this book. The little known facts are very interesting and engaging for readers. The illustrations and occasional graphic novel pages add interest. Older elementary readers will enjoy this new series.

Read. This. Book.
This should be read by anyone and everyone. Honest history written in an engaging manner. If anything in my elementary school textbooks were portrayed intriguingly as this book is, I would have devoured them.
100%

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy

Using a clear, conversational style, Kate Messner introduces the Pilgrims, addresses possible prior assumptions about them, and then explains what really happened when they traveled to the land inhabitated by the Wampanoag tribe and how we know it happened. Chapters are short, language is accessible - when primary source documents are quoted, a modern English translation is provided - and there are plenty of interesting text features and illustration to break up the text and to give alternative ways of accessing information. Nothing is sugar-coated but the level of detail is appropriate to a middle grade audience. This is the start of a series that is sure to be wildly popular with teachers and will be enjoyed by kids. E-ARC from NetGalley.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishers through NetGalley.
Messner takes readers through the reality of the Separatists' journey to find religious freedom in America. She provides information in an easy to read format for middle grade students. The book addresses the myths that continue about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving and explains what really happened. An honest look at this time in US history. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

I was so excited when I first heard about the History Smashers series, and was grateful to have received an ARC of this book thanks to Random House Children’s and NetGalley.

This book does a great job of breaking down the myths that surrounded the events that occurred in the 1600s. It is told in combination of narrative and graphics, so it would be a nice bridge to appeal to lovers of both types of books. The narrative is told in a way that feels like the author is speaking to the reader, which makes it even more engaging. It would make a perfect addition to all classroom libraries.

I can’t wait for the other books in the series (Women’s Right to Vote and Pearl Harbor) to come out!

Explanation of what really happened to and because of the pilgrims. Written in a clear way for children, or anyone, to understand the content.

Thank you to Random House Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

This was a great nonfiction book for kids on the history of the Pilgrims. Highly recommend it.

I read History Smashers: Pearl Harbor and wanted to read this copy of The Pilgrims to get a better idea of what the final product will look like once it becomes publicly available. Instead, what I found was a new history of I thought I knew about the Pilgrims. I knew the real history was not like the elementary school plays and scenes I grew accustomed to knowing by having children dress in black clothing and Native American headdresses. But the author does a great job detailing what motivated the pilgrims to leave Europe and then establish a settlement in the new world that is understandable and enjoyable to the intended reading audience.
As an adult, I took away a better understanding and respect of the Wampanoag and hardships faced by those that came on the Mayflower and their lasting impact. The book is filled with many facts and interesting stories to keep readers interested in the subject matter.
History Smashers appears to be a great series and I hope it continues well past the three books currently available when this review was written.

An excellent, honest, and candid description for the elementary and early middle school set -- or just someone who likes to learn their history in lighter chunks.

This is a must read for all American students! It tells the true story of the first Thanksgiving which was not as depicted for the last several hundred years by mainstream education. I will definitely be adding this to my library and encouraging teachers to use this tool every year, and not just in November. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this eARC.

You THINK you were taught the history of the Mayflower in school, but this honest book tells you what really happened. Messner writes a narrative that keeps you interested, but not overwhelmed with too many historical details. Books with diverse perspectives on history are greatly needed on all bookshelves. I can't wait for her to write more in the series!

I loved this book! This was a wonderful new way of sharing and learning history. I liked that the story was easy to follow and shared information that I didn't know. What a quick and easy read!

Awesome look at history: the true story of the Mayflower journey and Thanksgiving, along with all that happened in between and what still influences life now. @KateMessner. #HistorySmashersTheMayflower #NetGalley

What can I say! I feel like everything I learned is wrong. But what an interesting read. And I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned.
I really enjoyed the cartoons and pictures. I thought at first this was meant for young readers but it’s more middle schoolers and maybe some high schoolers. There is a lot of primary source information and this would be a great book to use as an example for anyone writing a research paper.
Lots of fun to read but also very informative.
A+

What really happened when the pilgrims hopped on a boat and landed in America? If you read this book, you will uncover the truths about The Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving. This history smashing book features graphic panels, illustrations, and photographs to hold the interest of younger readers. I cannot wait to buy several copies of this book for teachers and students. It can be read anytime of the year especially when we teach primary sources.

I loved this book! Messner uncovers the truth about the Pilgrim’s trip on the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, and the myth of the first Thanksgiving in a way that will certainly grab the attention of young readers. There’s a lot of necessary information in this book, and it’s presented in a really fun and engaging way. I can’t wait to read future books in this series!