Books for Gratitude

PBS Parents has put together a great list of books for the Thanksgiving season. Check with your school’s librarian or your local library to get these in time for the holiday. These books provide a great way to educate students on the history of Thanksgiving, the obvious literacy skills, diversity and culture education, and character lessons on gratitude.

Arthur's Thanksgiving
by Marc Brown

As the director of the school Thanksgiving play, Arthur has one problem. No one wants to play the role of the turkey. Your child will enjoy finding out how he resolves this potentially disastrous drama.
Ages: Preschooler, Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader
Themes: Holidays, Winter Holidays

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
by Chief Jake Swamp

This Iroquois Thanksgiving Address is an ancient message of peace and appreciation for Mother Earth and her inhabitants.
Ages: First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Multicultural, Nature

Gracias, the Thanksgiving Turkey
by Joy Cowley

Miguel's father sends him a turkey with simple instructions--fatten him up for the Thanksgiving feast. Instead, he becomes Miguel's beloved pet. How will he save his friend, Gracias the turkey, from becoming the main course at Thanksgiving dinner?
Ages: Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader
Themes: Family, Holidays, Multicultural, Winter Holidays

Molly's Pilgrim
by Barbara Cohen

Molly does not like her new school in America. Her classmates laugh at her Russian accent and tease her because she has never heard of Thanksgiving. Beginning readers will cheer for Molly as she helps her classmates learn the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Ages: First-grader, Second-grader, Third-grader
Themes: Holidays, School

Over the River and Through the Woods
by Lydia Maria Child

Travel to Grandma's house with this classic holiday poem. Rhyming text and striking illustrations celebrate favorite Thanksgiving traditions in rural New England, such as ice fishing and pumpkin pie.
Ages: Preschooler, Kindergartner, First-grader, Second-grader
Themes: Holidays, Poetry, Winter Holidays