For the child adjusting to big changes, this story of a young girl settling in a new, unfamiliar place offers a relatable journey of courage and resilience.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is struggling with the emotional upheaval of a major move or life change. Told through the diary of nine-year-old Lizzie, "Our Strange New Land" transports readers to the Jamestown colony of 1609. It's not just a history lesson; it's a deeply personal account of a child grappling with loneliness, fear, and homesickness in a place that feels alien and harsh. The story validates a child's difficult feelings about change while gently modeling resilience and the courage it takes to adapt. For ages 7-10, it’s an excellent choice for opening conversations about finding strength in unfamiliar situations and discovering that 'home' can be something you create, not just a place you leave behind.
Portrays Native Americans from a 17th-century English child's fearful perspective. Requires context.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the hardships of early colonial life, including hunger, illness, and fear. Death is a present threat but not graphically depicted. The portrayal of Native Americans is through the historically authentic but limited and fearful lens of a young English girl (using terms like "savages"). This is a direct representation of a colonial perspective and requires contextualization. The resolution is hopeful about Lizzie's personal resilience, but realistic about the ongoing dangers of the setting.
Ideal Reader
An 8-10 year old child who is experiencing a difficult move or transition and feels isolated or resentful about it. It’s for the child who is quiet about their big feelings but might connect with a character who writes them down. Also excellent for young readers who enjoy historical fiction and character-driven stories.
Parent Prep
A parent should absolutely preview the book and be prepared to have a conversation about the historical context, specifically the relationship between the English colonists and the Powhatan people. It's a critical opportunity to discuss how perspective shapes a story and to explain that Lizzie's view of the Native people is a reflection of her time and fears, not a factual representation of them. Reading a book from an Indigenous perspective from the same era (like "The Birchbark House") would be an excellent companion. A parent has just moved with their child, and the child is expressing strong negative feelings: "I hate our new house," "I miss my old friends," "I want to go home." The child seems withdrawn and is struggling to see any positive aspects of the new situation.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will connect most with Lizzie's loneliness, her friendship with Jessie, and the tangible discomforts of her new life. An older reader (9-10) is more likely to grasp the historical stakes, the constant peril of the colony, and the social complexities. They can also engage more deeply with a critical discussion about the portrayal of Native Americans.
What Makes It Special
While many books cover the topic of moving, this one uses a high-stakes historical setting to amplify the universal feelings of displacement. The diary format provides a raw, immediate connection to the protagonist’s inner world. It’s less about the logistics of moving and more about the internal, emotional work of adapting to a world that has been turned completely upside down.
Read plot summary
This diary-style novel follows nine-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzie" Barker's journey from London to the Jamestown Colony in 1609. Through her personal entries, readers experience the profound shock and difficulty of adjusting to a new life. Lizzie grapples with unfamiliar food, harsh living conditions, constant fear of the unknown, illness, and deep homesickness. The plot centers on her internal struggle to adapt, find friendship, and develop the resilience needed to survive in her new, challenging environment.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lizzie often writes in her diary about how much she misses London. What specific things does she miss? Have you ever missed a place so much? What helps when you feel that way?
2
At first, Lizzie is very scared of the Powhatan people, calling them 'savages.' Why do you think she felt that way in the beginning? Do her feelings change at all by the end of the book?
3
Captain Smith tells Lizzie that courage is not about being unafraid, but about doing what you must even when you are afraid. Can you remember a time in the story when Lizzie showed this kind of courage?
4
How does making a friend in Jessie change Lizzie's experience in Jamestown? Why is friendship so important when you are in a new or scary place?
