TWO BAD PILGRIMS
by Kathryn Lasky and illustrated by John Manders
Standish Brewster, professor of Pilgrimology, attempts diligently to tell the tale of the establishment of Plimoth Plantation while the two bad Pilgrims of the title, acknowledged troublemakers (they nearly blew up the Mayflower) John and Francis Billington, kibbitz with energy: “When we do it, they call it stealing. When they do it, they call it ‘a special providence of God,’ ” Johnny says tartly. Manders ably adapts his style to graphic storytelling, sequencing panels and placing speech balloons for maximum comedic effect. In spite of John and Francis’s gleeful efforts to thwart him, Professor Brewster manages to deliver a substantial amount of information about the Pilgrims and their first years, making this account easily one of the most enjoyably educational ones kids will encounter this season. (author’s note) (Graphic nonfiction. 8-12)