Tapenum’s Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times by Kate Waters, photographs by Russ Kendall is written in the first person from the perspective of a young Wampanoag boy, Tapenum, living in the time after the Europeans have started to settle in the area. This book is illustrated with photographs that show Tapenum, his family and home how they might have looked in the 1600s. Tapenum is perturbed that he wasn’t chosen by the tribe’s elders to participate in the initiation ceremony for young men who will grow up to be warrior-counselors to the chief. He is determined to hone his skills and show the elders that he is ready. During his day, he encounters an older warrior-counselor and gains more knowledge about how to become the man he wants to be.

The language is written for ages 8+, but this book could easily be shared with younger children if someone were willing to read it to them. The pictures showing real people are sure to pique the interest of anyone who opens the pages.