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Audiobooks > Juvenile Fiction >  Historical > Calico Captive
Calico Captive Audiobook, by Elizabeth George Speare Play Audiobook Sample

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3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 (3.00) - 2,205 customer ratings
Calico Captive Audiobook, by Elizabeth George Speare Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Elizabeth George Speare Narrator: C. M. Hébert Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Release Date: April 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781481548793
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Publisher Description

Early one morning in the year 1754, the stillness of Charlestown, New Hampshire, is shattered by shrill war whoops and the terror of an Indian raid. Young Miriam Willard, on a day that had promised new happiness, finds herself instead a captive on a forest trail, caught up in the ebb and flow of the French and Indian War. She endures a harrowing march north, with limited food and icy streams to cross. The trail ends with a waiting Indian gauntlet and a life of hard work—perhaps even a life of slavery. As her mind turns to thoughts of her sweetheart, Phineas Whitney, she is also mindful of the cries of her sister’s baby, Captive, who was born on the trail.

Miriam and her companions finally reach Montreal, a city of shifting loyalties filled with the intrigue of war. Here, by a sudden twist of fortune, Miriam meets the prominent Du Quesne family, who introduce her to a life of fashion and luxury she has never imagined and who compel her to make the most important decision of her life.

Based on the actual narrative diary published in 1907, Calico Captive skillfully reenacts an absorbing facet of history.

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Quotes

  • “The constant shifts of locale and situation present narrator Hébert with an excellent showcase for her range of talents…But the very best part is the realistic, almost insider’s, view of early American war, class structure, and prejudice.”

    - AudioFile

  • “Hébert’s reading is professional and sympathetic.” 

    - Kliatt

  • “Vital and vivid, this short novel based on the actual captivity of a pre-Revolutionary girl of Charlestown, New Hampshire, presents American history with force and verve.”

    - Kirkus Reviews

  • “Convincing historical romance set during the French and Indian War.”

    - Booklist

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Customer Reviews

Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " An pretty good story, with mediocre characters and heavy handed writing. "

    - Cecilia, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this in fifth or sixth grade, and loved it. I appreciate fiesty heroines, of course, but my favorite parts where when the French suitor buys Miriam a cup of real hot chocolate, and when the French governor's wife offers her a luxurious bolt of fabric and she gives it to her good friend Hortense. Oh! I love this book. Where is my copy? Gotta read it again... "

    - Michelle, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " In my top 5 at age 10. "

    - Natalie, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good for children over 8. Some parts may be distressing ; indian attack and kidnapping. "

    - Erinn, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Captivating story about what people felt and did in the mid 1700's. "

    - Hannah, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What a great classic with meaningful and personal history of the French and Indian Wars. "

    - Sonja, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not as good as The Witch of Blackbird Pond or The Sign of the Beaver, but still an interesting read. It was certainly a reminder of just how little I know about the French and Indian War... "

    - Brooke, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Pretty thrilling throughout, especially knowing it's based on fact. "

    - Magda, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really love the books that Elizabeth George Speare writes! This book is historical fiction follows a family who is taken by Indians and sold into slavery to the French. I do have to say there were times I was bugged by the main girl, but the book shows a real learning process for her and by the end I liked her a lot better. "

    - Jodi, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My mom had to force me to read this book and i am so glad that she did. I loved it. It has a really sweet love story in it and... it's been a while since I read it but i know that i really liked it! "

    - Elizabeth, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What can I say about this book that would do it justice? Its just so wonderful and engaging! Just like all of Elizabeth George Speare's books this one FEELS real. Its not wishy washy or poorly written, its REAL. "

    - Madame, 1/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good book based on a true story of a family during the French and Indian War taken captive by Indians and held for ransom in Montreal. "

    - Ellen, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved reading this book aloud to my girls, ages 11 and 9. They really enjoyed it. So far we have enjoyed three of Speare's books: this one, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and The Sign of the Beaver. I guess we need to read The Bronze Bow next. Excellent story by a wonderful author. "

    - Elaine, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Loved it! I can always count on Speare for a very good read. "

    - Katrina, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Personally I don't like the ending. I think she should have stayed at Montreal. "

    - Lydia, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have searched for this book on and off in my adulthood, and have had a difficulty finding it in print, so I was thrilled to find it and read it again. I have loved all of Elizabeth George Speare's historical fiction,and this is no exception. Written for young adults, this book, originally publlshed in 1957, gives an account of Miriam Willards excperiences being captured by Indians and then sold as a slave in Canada during the French and Indian War. "

    - Michele, 12/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this in fifth or sixth grade, and loved it. I appreciate fiesty heroines, of course, but my favorite parts where when the French suitor buys Miriam a cup of real hot chocolate, and when the French governor's wife offers her a luxurious bolt of fabric and she gives it to her good friend Hortense. Oh! I love this book. Where is my copy? Gotta read it again... "

    - Michelle, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked it better the second time I read it, when I actually took time to understand things. Not as good as Witch of Blackbird Pond, but I enjoyed reading it. "

    - Rachel, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read this in jr high or so. It is based on a true story and the history is great. I wasn't aware this went on between the French & English as far as how the captives were treated. Love this author. "

    - Heather, 12/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A classic, and still one of the best, Indian-captive stories. "

    - Stephanie, 12/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My favorite book in the fourth grade. "

    - Heather, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " By far this was my favorite book when I was younger. I still enjoy reading today. :) "

    - Holly, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my favorite books since I was a teen. A young girl from the American colonies is kidnapped by natives and sold to the French in Quebec. "

    - Wendy, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good for children over 8. Some parts may be distressing ; indian attack and kidnapping. "

    - Erinn, 11/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read this one in middle school and absolutely loved it. It is very good with lots of historical context and fashion which makes everything better. "

    - Ali, 10/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved her book The Sign of the Beaver when I was a kid and I found this at Goodwill. I actually didn't know that she had written any other books. I do wish she had written a follow up to Sign of the Beaver "

    - Jamie, 10/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A good book for girls who enjoy adventure and a little romance. I read Indian captive right after I read this one. "

    - Lindsay, 10/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book was pretty good. I generally like EGS books. It is about colonial America as well as about France and Native Americans. It has action and a trace of romance "

    - Grace, 10/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I liked this almost as much as The Witch of Blackbird Pond. "

    - Jennifer, 10/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorites as a young teen. A good historical fiction, but a cute, fun love story as well. "

    - Susanna, 10/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " one of the best books I ever read! "

    - Kaitlyn, 9/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The story comes alive when you realize that this is an account of true events. Every time any 11-13 year-old girl visits my house, she finds this book on my shelf. I know that when she borrows it, I will never see the book again. "

    - Caroline, 8/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " More of a child's book but still enjoyed it. It is an easy read. Great book for a kid's book club. "

    - Shealyn, 8/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was one of my favorite books when I was a little kid. Well, even into my teens, really. All right, fine, I still read it and like it. ;) "

    - Jess, 8/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A wonderfully evocative story, told by an extremely interesting heroine. I honestly knew very little about this aspect of North American history prior to this book - it's lovely when you can pick up some history and read a marvelous story at the same time!!! One of my favorite YA stories. "

    - Claire, 8/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Enjoyable Newberry award winner. Made me want to read the nonfiction account this story is based on. "

    - Lisa, 8/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Fabulous story about a young woman during early colonial times. Great lessons to be learned. "

    - Melissa, 7/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was amazing!! I recommend it for boys and girls really interesting! :) "

    - Megan, 7/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " This is a wonderful book it had a ton of adventures it was hard to put down "

    - Celeste, 6/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I had to read it for my summer reading. Some people like it but I could not get into it. "

    - Emily, 5/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I read this book a couple years ago, and really enjoyed it... except the ending. The ending was OK,but I think it could've been better. "

    - Bekah, 4/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What can I say about this book that would do it justice? Its just so wonderful and engaging! Just like all of Elizabeth George Speare's books this one FEELS real. Its not wishy washy or poorly written, its REAL. "

    - Madame, 4/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Like The Witch of Blackbird Pond, it really stands out as fulfilling a really precise taste in reading for the age I read it. It's got that same mix of adventure and thoughtfulness, and I remember really finding it incredible as a kid. "

    - Beth, 4/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm surprised how much I ended up liking this book. It's really a good story, and the setting with the Indians and later in Montreal during this time period (1754) is really interesting. "

    - Tracy, 3/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Based on a real historical event: French and Indian war. Really fascinating. Elizabeth George Speare is an outstanding writer. "

    - Joanne, 1/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Miriam, a young girl, is longing for love, but is taken away from her home by indians. She is then sold in Canada and has to become a servant. Can she adapt to this new role? Will she ever go home? "

    - Angie, 1/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book was pretty good. I generally like EGS books. It is about colonial America as well as about France and Native Americans. It has action and a trace of romance "

    - Grace, 9/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my first favorite books--I'd love to find a copy and read it again! "

    - Robyn, 9/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book as a child! "

    - Charlie, 6/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Enjoyable Newberry award winner. Made me want to read the nonfiction account this story is based on. "

    - Lisa, 2/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this book when I was 10 or so, but it's just as good 20 years later. "

    - Rosemary, 10/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A story based on an true experience. A wonderful story. "

    - Frank, 9/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Second best YA novel I've read--Interesting backdrop, good characters and an exciting story. "

    - Andrew, 8/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I liked this almost as much as The Witch of Blackbird Pond. "

    - Jenniferayres, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was amazing!! I recommend it for boys and girls really interesting! :) "

    - Megan, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book is beautifully written, and I think it was more meaningful to me because I have been to Montreal where part of this book takes place. Overall, Calico Captive is a book that you just won't be able to put down! ;) "

    - Hannah, 4/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Kids don't want me to put it down! "

    - Rachel, 2/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love this author. What a great story. Kept me guess until the end. Great plot and based on a real story. I would recommend this book to almost anybody, especially people who like historical fiction. "

    - Ginnie, 1/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was an interesting story I liked it because it's based on a true story ..it's hard to imagine being taken captive by Indians and sold as slaves..very interesting. "

    - Melissa, 11/8/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Pretty thrilling throughout, especially knowing it's based on fact. "

    - Magda, 10/21/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I really love this book. :) Please read it! "

    - Gillian, 9/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " this one was cool. this one girl goes through three totally different life styles! she gets kidnapped by the Indians then forced to travel up to the french colonies and was sold to the french then, after a lot of other details, finds a way back home. "

    - Haley, 9/23/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I truly enjoy this author and the insight into what life was like during different time periods. I have loved each book of hers, each time set during a different time period. Loved it! "

    - Kristi, 8/31/2010

About the Author

Elizabeth George Speare (1908–1994), born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston University, taught high school, married, and raised two children before beginning her career as a writer. Her prizewinning writings for children and young adults are noted for their authentic settings, intriguing plots, and accurate historical details.

About the Narrator

C. M. Hébert is an Earphones Award winner and Audie Award nominee. She is the recording studio director for the Talking Books Program at the Library of Congress’ National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with her husband, daughter, cat, and assorted fish.