Penn (biography) facts for kids
Penn is a special book written by Elizabeth Janet Gray for young readers like you. It tells the true story of William Penn, a very important person in American history. The book was published in 1938 and has cool pictures by George Gillett Whitney. In 1939, it won a big award called the Newbery Honor, which means it's one of the best books for children published that year!
Contents
About the Book Penn
The book Penn is a biography. A biography is a story about a real person's life. This book focuses on the life of William Penn, from when he was a boy to when he became famous. It helps young readers understand who he was and why his ideas were so important.
The author, Elizabeth Janet Gray, wrote the book to be easy to read and interesting for kids aged 12 to 15. It shares facts, dates, and events from Penn's life in a way that feels like a story.
Who Was William Penn?
William Penn was born in England in 1644. His father was a powerful admiral in the English navy. Even though his family was wealthy, William Penn chose a different path.
When he was young, Penn became a member of a religious group called the Quakers. Quakers believe in peace, equality for everyone, and speaking their minds honestly. Because of their beliefs, Quakers were often treated unfairly in England.
Penn's Beliefs and Challenges
William Penn believed strongly in religious freedom. This means people should be able to practice any religion they choose without being punished. Because of his Quaker beliefs, Penn sometimes faced difficulties and was even put in prison for a short time. He always stood up for what he believed was right.
Founding Pennsylvania
William Penn had a big dream: to create a place where everyone could live freely and practice their religion without fear. In 1681, King Charles II of England gave Penn a large piece of land in North America. The king owed Penn's father money, and giving him land was a way to pay back the debt.
Penn named this new land "Pennsylvania," which means "Penn's Woods." He wanted it to be a "Holy Experiment," a place where people from different backgrounds and religions could live together peacefully.
A Fair Start for Pennsylvania
One of the most important things William Penn did was treat the Native Americans fairly. Unlike many other European settlers, Penn believed in buying land from the Native Americans instead of just taking it. He signed treaties with the Lenape people, paying them for their land and building a lasting friendship.
Penn also designed the city of Philadelphia, which means "City of Brotherly Love." He planned wide streets and green spaces, making it a modern and welcoming city for its time. He invited people from all over Europe who were seeking religious freedom to come and live in Pennsylvania.
About the Author: Elizabeth Janet Gray
Elizabeth Janet Gray (who later became Elizabeth Gray Vining) was an American writer. She was known for writing historical fiction and biographies for young people. Her books often focused on strong characters and important moments in history.
Gray believed that history could be exciting and inspiring for children. She did a lot of research to make sure her stories were accurate and helped readers understand the past.
Awards and Recognition
The book Penn received the Newbery Honor in 1939. The Newbery Medal is one of the most respected awards for children's literature in the United States. The Newbery Honor means that Penn was recognized as one of the top books published that year, just behind the Newbery Medal winner. This award shows that the book is well-written and important for young readers.
