I first read this book in elementary school, but I have read it numerous times since then because I think its a great read, and I think it shows multiple sides of the colonization story. This book shows the challenges and trials of early settlers, and makes you feel the hardships they endured during the first few years. It does a great job in making you feel emotion for the characters, and is a great representation of the duality of man: how man can be both compassionate and merciless, generous and envious, etc etc.
Not only is this book a great read, it also teachers you a lot about early settlers in America and their hardships, friendships, and conflicts.