The Princess Pocahontas

"The Princess Pocahontas" by Virginia Watson is a historical novel that explores the life of Pocahontas, daughter of the Powhatan chief, going beyond the single story most people know. It shares her contributions to the Virginia colony and gives a more complete idea of her part in early American history. The story begins with a spunky Pocahontas challenging her uncle and wanting to see the bravery of warriors. The scene, placed in a winter forest, shows Pocahontas as a youthful spirit as she gets away from those trying to capture her, all the while thinking about how strict her society is. Her personality, along with how she sees gender roles as unimportant, are shown early, giving the impression of someone who is both a child and someone capable of greatness. The story sets the stage for digging into Pocahontas' life, her connections with her family, and the cultural workings of the Powhatan tribe, hinting at her coming impact on American history.