Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780689815416)

Penner's Pilgrims are heroes, and deservedly so. She takes the story of their crossing on the Mayflower and establishment of Plymouth Colony, and fleshes it out with all the distasteful, even disgusting, details of their struggle for survival. Everything that made life difficult in the 1600s is mentioned--the acceptance of insect infestation in one's hair, clothing, bed, and food; the lack of efficient implements for home construction; the danger of crossing the Atlantic on an open vessel; and the deadly aftermath of disease. The author makes it clear that without the Indians' help, these settlers would not have made it through their first year, dependent as they were on European agricultural methods not suited to the New World.

While Penner gives a complete picture of the Pilgrims' daily life, her prime focus is on food--what the people ate; how they raised, prepared, served, and preserved it. Her writing style has a light touch that makes this interesting reading, often with a wry slant. The book concludes with a Pilgrim Menu'' for readers to prepare with adult supervision. The illustrations include pen-and-ink drawings and lithographs that show period artifacts and various food items.

Author: Lucille Recht Penner
ISBN-10: 0689815417
ISBN-13: 9780689815416
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Language: English
Published: 09/01/1997
Pages: 117
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.51lbs
Size: 9.12h x 6.94w x 0.38d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.9
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 28252 / Eating the Plates