Calico Captive facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Elizabeth George Speare |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's, Historical novel |
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin |
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Publication date
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January 1957 |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 274 pp |
| Followed by | The Witch of Blackbird Pond |
Calico Captive is a historical adventure novel for young readers by Elizabeth George Speare. It was published in 1957. The story is based on the real-life experiences of Susanna Willard Johnson and her family. In August 1754, during a time leading up to the French and Indian War, Susanna and her family were kidnapped by Abenaki Indians from their home in Charlestown, New Hampshire.
The book tells this exciting and challenging journey through the eyes of Miriam, Susanna's younger sister. Miriam's adventures are imagined, but they are inspired by Susanna Johnson's own diary, which was published much later in 1796.
Contents
What Happens in Calico Captive?
The Kidnapping and Journey North
In August 1754, Miriam Willard and her family are living in a fort called Number Four in Charlestown. Her family includes her older sister Susanna, Susanna's husband James Johnson, and their three young children: Sylvus (six), Susanna (four), and Polly (two). Suddenly, they are kidnapped by Indian captors.
The family is forced to march north. They are unsure if they will be harmed or taken as slaves. Miriam often thinks about Phineas Whitney, her sweetheart who plans to attend Harvard College.
During the difficult journey, Susanna gives birth to a baby girl. They name her Captive. The baby's crying, the cold, and hunger make the trip very hard for Miriam. Luckily, a horse named Scoggins is captured. This helps Susanna carry her new baby without having to walk.
Life in the Indian Village
Eventually, the group reaches an Indian village. There, they must survive a "gauntlet," a kind of challenge where they are forced to dance and sing. After this, they are adopted into the tribe. This means they become part of the community.
After several months, the tribe's leader, called a Sachem, decides to sell his English captives. He plans to sell them to the French in Montréal, Quebec. However, Susanna's master makes her stay behind. Sylvus, who has grown to like the Indian way of life, chooses to go on a hunting trip and stays in a different village.
New Challenges in Montréal
When Miriam arrives in Montréal, she is horrified. The family members are to be sold separately to different owners. They will be held for ransom, meaning money must be paid for their freedom. James is put in jail for a short time. He is then forced to get money from the English governor to free his family.
Polly, the youngest child, catches the eye of the mayor's wife, who cannot have children of her own. Little Susanna is sold to another French family. Miriam herself meets the important Du Quesne family.
Miriam's New Life and Friendships
Miriam starts working as a servant for the Du Quesne family. She finds herself living a life she never imagined. She quickly becomes friends with a kind French girl named Hortense.
One day, Madame Du Quesne asks Miriam to teach her daughter, Felicité, how to read and write proper English. Miriam is surprised by Felicité’s friendliness and her wealthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, James asks the French governor for permission to return to English territory. He needs to get money and a special travel pass.
Family Reunions and Difficulties
Susanna is eventually released by her Indian captors and joins Miriam in Montréal. James goes to Boston to get the money needed to free the rest of his family.
Miriam and Susanna are invited by Felicité to a fancy ball. At the ball, Miriam accidentally attracts the attention of Pierre Laroche. He is the grandson of a rich nobleman. Miriam dances with Pierre, which makes Felicité very angry and embarrassed. Felicité had hoped to marry Pierre herself.
The Du Quesne family feels insulted and disgraced. They also believe James broke his promise and escaped. Because of this, they throw Miriam and Susanna out of their home.
Miriam's Clever Plan
After hours in the snowy streets, Hortense finds the two sisters. She tells them they can stay with her family. Miriam realizes that Hortense's family cannot easily support three more people. She comes up with a plan to earn money.
Miriam decides to use her talent for dressmaking. She creates a fashionable dress for Madame Du Quesne and Felicité. The plan works! Although she is told to keep her services a secret, the governor’s wife, Marquise De Vaundreuil, finds out. She learns that Miriam designed the Du Quesne dresses and hires her.
Hope and Freedom
When James finally returns, the French governor has been replaced. The new governor refuses to honor the old agreement. Even worse, Polly, who could not get used to her new family, runs away. She is eventually allowed to stay with her mother. Instead of gaining their freedom, Susanna, James, Polly, and Captive are put in jail. Miriam, as a dressmaker for an important family, is spared from jail.
Miriam bravely gathers her courage and asks Marquise De Vaundreuil about her relatives. Marquise De Vaundreuil promises to speak with her husband. Meanwhile, Pierre asks Miriam to marry him. After thinking about it, Miriam realizes she does not truly love him.
Marquise De Vaundreuil keeps her promise. Eventually, Miriam, Susanna, James, Polly, and Captive are released from prison. They board a small ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean to Plymouth, England. From there, they sail back to America, finally free.
Two years later, Sylvus is brought home by another English captive who was freed from the Indians. Little Susanna is also brought home by another freed prisoner from Montréal. After graduating from Harvard, Phineas Whitney marries Miriam.
