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41 pages 1 hour read

Elisa Carbone

Blood on the River

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2006

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone follows the journey of 12-year-old Samuel Collier, an orphan, from the streets of London to the New World, where he serves as a page to Captain John Smith. The novel vividly recounts Samuel's experiences, hardships, and growth into a vital member of the Jamestown colony, emphasizing themes of resilience, cross-cultural interactions, and historical authenticity. The story addresses themes of violence, colonialism, and cultural conflict.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Carbone’s Blood on the River captivates readers with its vivid historical detail and well-rounded characters, providing an engaging glimpse into early American colonization. However, some critiques mention a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it is praised for educational value and compelling narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Blood on the River?

Readers who enjoy historical adventure novels like Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone are typically young adults who are captivated by early American history and tales of survival. This book is comparable to works like Island of the Blue Dolphins and Johnny Tremain that also explore rich historical settings and resilient young protagonists.

Book Details
Pages

237

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Jamestown, Virginia • 1600s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

820L

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