41 pages • 1 hour read
Elisa CarboneBlood on the River
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2006A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
820L