Fritz, Jean. The double life of Pocahontas.

FRITZ, Jean. The double life of Pocahontas. Read by Melissa Hughes. 2 cds. 2.25 hrs. Audio Bookshelf. 1983/2007. 0-9761932-8-0. $34.95. Vinyl; content, author notes. J

This is a biography of the Native American princess, daughter of Chief Powhaten. As a child, Pocahontas knew the 17th-century English settlers in Virginia, and she became close to Captain John Smith, who had been adopted by her father. By the time she grew old enough to marry, John Smith had fallen into disfavor and disappeared from her life; and the settlers had barely survived many changes in leadership and adapting to life in America. When Pocahontas was captured by the English, she was disappointed when her father made no attempt to rescue her. Eventually, she and another English settler, John Rolphe, married and Pocahontas, now called Rebecca, became a celebrity when she arrived in England. She died as she began her trip back home at the age of 21. Hughes reads the story with the voice of your nicest middle-school teacher and makes the tale of this young woman fascinating. By personalizing the story of the Jamestown settlement, she brings it to life. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL

J--Recommended for junior high students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.