Our Strange New Land

September 20, 1609

Papa works furiously on our house. Jessie and I work alongside him. Mama still frowns, though, when I climb to the roof. And in the lean-to beside us, John Bridger lounges with his lazy brothers. They will be sorry when winter comes! But we will have our home ready. And we will be ready for our new baby. Mama's time will be soon, I know.

I pray to God to watch over her when that time comes.

In 1609, Elizabeth Barker's family sails from Plymouth, England, to Jamestown, Virginia, establishing America's first permanent English colony. She and her family face many hardships—scarce food, illness, even death—but they are determined to make a home in their new land.