What Is Your Favorite Thanksgiving Story?

Thanksgiving is a special American holiday where families and friends come together to share a big meal and give thanks for all the good things in their lives. It happens every year on the fourth Thursday in November.

The holiday began a long time ago, in 1621, when the Pilgrims—a group of people who came to America from England seeking freedom—had their first successful harvest in their new home, Plymouth, in what is now Massachusetts. The Wampanoag people, who were Native Americans living in that area, helped the Pilgrims learn how to plant crops and find food.

To celebrate their harvest, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag shared a three-day feast together. That meal is remembered as the First Thanksgiving.

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving to remember that spirit of sharing and thankfulness. People show gratitude for their families, friends, food, and home. Many families eat traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, and some also volunteer or help others in need.

Here are some favorite and popular Thanksgiving books to read to children, perfect for preschool through elementary ages:

🦃 Picture Books for Younger Children (Ages 3–7)

1. "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano – A funny story about a turkey who disguises himself to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner.
2. "Bear Says Thanks" by Karma Wilson – Bear wants to thank his friends but realizes he has nothing to share; a sweet story about gratitude and friendship.
3. "The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr – Bright and colorful, it helps children reflect on all the things they can be thankful for.
4. "10 Fat Turkeys" by Tony Johnston – A silly, rhyming counting book that’s fun for read-alouds.
5. "Thanks for Thanksgiving" by Julie Markes – A gentle story celebrating family, friends, and gratitude.

📚 For Early Elementary (Grades 1–3)

1. "A Turkey for Thanksgiving" by Eve Bunting – A charming story where animals search for a turkey to join their feast.
2. "How to Catch a Turkey" by Adam Wallace – Part of the popular “How to Catch” series, filled with humor and clever rhymes.
3. "The Great Thanksgiving Escape" by Mark Fearing – A funny look at family gatherings from a child’s point of view.
4. "Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving" by Laurie Halse Anderson – Tells the true story of Sarah Hale, who helped make Thanksgiving a national holiday.
5. "Arthur’s Thanksgiving" by Marc Brown – Arthur has to direct the school Thanksgiving play and learns lessons about leadership and friendship.

🌽 For Older Elementary (Grades 3–5)

1. "Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving" by Joseph Bruchac – A historically accurate and respectful account told from Squanto’s perspective.
2. "If You Were at the First Thanksgiving" by Anne Kamma – A nonfiction book that answers children’s questions about the first Thanksgiving.
3. "An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving" by Louisa May Alcott – A classic tale about family, food, and togetherness.

Here are some ways to integrate learning about Native Americans with Thanksgiving in an age-appropriate, educational way:

🪶 1. Teach the Wampanoag Perspective

• Explain that the Wampanoag people were already living in the area long before the Pilgrims arrived.
• Discuss how they helped the Pilgrims learn to plant crops like corn, beans, and squash.
• Use maps or illustrations to show where they lived and how they worked with the land.
• Read stories or watch short videos created by Native people to hear their side of the Thanksgiving story.

🌽 2. Compare Cultures

• Create a Venn diagram comparing Wampanoag life in the 1600s to the Pilgrims’ way of life.
• Explore topics like homes, food, clothing, and community traditions.
• Highlight how both groups valued cooperation, family, and gratitude.

📖 3. Use Authentic Native Voices

• Include books and resources written or illustrated by Native authors, such as:
• “Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story” by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten
• “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell
• “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” by Kevin Noble Maillard

These titles show that Native peoples are still here today with rich, living cultures.

✋ 4. Focus on Gratitude and Respect

• Encourage students to share what they are thankful for while recognizing how different groups celebrate thankfulness.
• Discuss ways to show respect for all people and cultures.

🧠 5. Hands-On Projects

• Create a classroom timeline showing Native American history before, during, and after the first Thanksgiving.
• Make a “Thankful Tree” where each leaf represents something learned about Native American culture or history.

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