History Smashers: The Mayflower

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Myths! Lies! Secrets! Smash the stories behind famous moments in history and expose the hidden truth. Perfect for fans of I Survived and Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales.

In 1620, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and made friends with Wampanoag people who gave them corn. RIGHT?

WRONG! It was months before the Pilgrims met any Wampanoag people, and nobody gave anybody corn that day.

Did you know that the pilgrims didn’t go straight from England to Plymouth? No, they made a stop along the way—and almost stayed forever! Did you know there was a second ship, called the Speedwell, that was too leaky to make the trip? No joke. And just wait until you learn the truth about Plymouth Rock.

Through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more, acclaimed author Kate Messner smashes history by exploring the little-known details behind the legends of the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving.

“Kate Messner serves up fun, fast history for kids who want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Absolutely smashing!”—Candace Fleming, award-winning author

Don’t miss History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote!

Series Overview: HISTORY SMASHERS is a paperback original series that explores historical moments in a frank and often surprising manner—busting those old myths we like to repeat and having fun along the way. We launch with two books and will publish one per list after that, establishing a quick, robust shelf presence with a topic for every kid.

Summer 2020: #1 Mayflower, #2 Women’s Right to Vote * Fall 2020: #3 Pearl Harbor * Spring 2021: #4 Titanic * Summer 2021: #5 American Revolution * Fall 2021: #6 Underground Railroad

About the Author

KATE MESSNER lives on Lake Champlain with her family. Her books have been New York Times Notable, Junior Library Guild, IndieBound, and Bank Street Best Books selections. Her novel The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. won the E. B. White Read Aloud Award, and her science picture books have been finalists for the American Academy for the Advancement of Sciences/Subaru SB&F prize for excellence in science writing. Before becoming a full-time writer, Kate was a TV news reporter as well as an educator who spent fifteen years teaching middle school English.

Author Residence: Plattsburgh, New York