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Description
In 1754, an Indian raid on her small New Hampshire town leaves Miriam Willard a prisoner of the Indians, forced to take part in a harrowing march north.
Quick Summary
Elizabeth George Speare, the author of "The Witch of Blackbird Pond," really knew how to bring history to life, and "Calico Captive" is another gem that proves it. Set during the French and Indian War in 1754, this story follows Miriam Willard, a teenage girl from New Hampshire who's captured during an Indian raid and forced to march north with her captors what unfolds is her slow journey from fear and resentment toward something more complicated and human. The book doesn't shy away from the hardness of captivity, but it's handled in a way that feels honest without being traumatic for middle-grade readers, and there's real emotional growth here as Miriam starts to understand the people holding her. If your kid loves historical fiction that makes them think, or if they're fascinated by stories about survival and changing perspectives, this one delivers. It's also a great pick for readers who enjoyed "The Sign of the Beaver" or anyone curious about a time period that doesn't get as much attention as, say, the American Revolution. Parents will appreciate that it's educational without feeling like homework, and the tension keeps pages turning even for kids who don't usually gravitate toward historical stories.