Thanksgiving Books for Children

This booklist was contributed by Appleton Public Library Children's Services Staff, 10/07 

Non-Fiction

1621: a New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O'Neill Grace(2001)Foreword / by Nancy Brennan and Margaret M. Bruchac -- Bountiful harvest -- People of the first light: Wampanoag language -- Colonizing the New World -- Wampanoag diplomacy: Making a myth -- Harvest: The land's plenty -- Giving thanks: Evolution of a holiday -- Broken peace -- Bringing the past to life.

Beyond Turkey: a Thanksgiving Feast of Fun, Facts, and Activities by Debbie Herman(2005)

Celebrate Thanksgiving by Deborah Heiligman(2006)

Drawing America: the Story of the First Thanksgiving by Elaine Raphael(1991)Presents the story of the first Thanksgiving as celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians. Includes a drawing activity section at the end of the book.

The First Thanksgiving by Linda Hayward(1990)Describes how the first Thanksgiving celebration came to be.

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Craighead George(1993)Describes how the colonists aboard the Mayflower founded New Plymouth and celebrated their first harvest with a feast of thanksgiving.

Giving Thanks: the 1621 Harvest Feast by Kate Waters(2001)

Gobble: the Complete Book of Thanksgiving Words by Lynda Graham-Barber(1991)Defines or explains various words commonly associated with Thanksgiving, such as "harvest," "Pilgrim," and "musket," and gives their origin or historical background.

Happy Thanksgiving by Abbie Mercer(2008)

Let's Celebrate Thanksgiving by Connie Roop(1999)Includes questions and answers about the history of Thanksgiving, along with jokes and riddles, a craft activity, and a brief look at other harvest celebrations around the world today.

Nickommoh: a Thanksgiving Celebration by Jackie French Koller(1999)Describes a typical Narragansett Nickommoh, or harvest celebration, as it has been performed since before the arrival of the first Pilgrims in New England.

On Thanksgiving Day by Judith Mazzeo Zocchi(2005)Text in English and Spanish. Introduction to Thanksgiving Day explains the traditions and history of the holiday.

The Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving by Mary Englar(2007)The story of the settling of Plymouth Colony and the first Thanksgiving. Presented in graphic format.

The Pilgrims' Thanksgiving from A to Z by Laura Crawford(2005)This alphabet book follows the voyage of the Pilgrims from England to the New World and their first Thanksgiving.

The Story of Thanksgiving by Robert Merrill Bartlett(2001)Relates the history and customs of Thanksgiving, from the harvest festivals of the ancient world and the first Thanksgiving in colonial America to today's celebrations.

Thank You Sarah: the Woman who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson(2002)Relates how Sarah Hale, a magazine editor and author, persuaded President Lincoln to transform Thanksgiving Day into a national holiday.

Thanksgiving by Alice Flanagan(2002)

Thanksgiving by Ann Heinrichs(2006)Happy Thanksgiving! -- Celebrating the harvest -- Life in a new land -- A great feast -- Becoming a holiday -- Thanksgiving dinner -- Decorations and symbols -- The poets' corner -- Joining in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving by Sheri Dean(2006)

Thanksgiving by Brenda Haugen(2004)Briefly discusses the history and customs connected to the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States.

Thanksgiving by Marilyn Miller(1998)Examines the traditions and celebrations associated with the holiday of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving by Dana Meachen Rau(2000)Describes the history, customs, meaning, and celebration of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving by David Marx(2000)Introduces the history, customs, meaning, and celebration of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day by Gail Gibbons(1983)Presents information about the first Thanksgiving and the way that holiday is celebrated today.

Thanksgiving Day by Barbara Balfour(2007)Explains the historical, cultural, social, and political background of Thanksgiving and how it is celebrated.

Thanksgiving Day Alphabet by Beverly Barras Vidrine(2006)

Thanksgiving Day: a Time to be Thankful by Elaine Landau(2001)A special day -- The first Thanksgiving -- The making of a holiday -- A time for eating-- and more -- Turkey seating cards craft project -- Words to know.

Thanksgiving Is by Gail Gibbons(2004)An introduction to the history and customs of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Turkeys by Patrick Merrick(2000)Introduces the holiday of Thanksgiving and some of the ways in which it is celebrated, explaining the origin and meaning behind such symbols as the turkey.

Thanksgiving: Why we Celebrate it the Way we Do by Martin Hintz(1996)Discusses the origins of Thanksgiving and how we celebrate the holiday.