With Turkey Day right around the corner, nothing is better than sharing delicious food and good literature with family and friends. Here are five Thanksgiving-themed books everyone will love!
- A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING By Charles M. Schulz
- THANKS A MILLION By Nikki Grimes
- GOBBLE, GOBBLE MURDER By Leslie Meier
- THIS LAND IS THEIR LAND By David J. Silverman
- DUCK FOR TURKEY DAY By Jacqueline Jules
A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING By Charles M. Schulz and Daphne Pendergrass
This picture book is a retelling by Daphne Pendergrass of the classic television special that aired in 1973. A relatable tale that many have experienced themselves, protagonist Charlie finds himself in a predicament when he’s given the task of making Thanksgiving dinner, while not knowing anything about cooking. A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING will entertain your kids and give them something to laugh at, while reminding them of the things that really matter.
THANKS A MILLION By Nikki Grimes
Although THANKS A MILLION is not specifically Thanksgiving-based, it discusses the various ways of being thankful and explores that through deep connections in endless forms of poetry, which is extremely creative and a great way for kids to learn poetry styles and verses. Many of them may choose to become poets themselves after reading the book!
GOBBLE, GOBBLE MURDER By Leslie Meier
Who doesn’t love a nice cozy mystery on a chilly Thanksgiving afternoon, paired with turkey stuffing and your favorite spiked eggnog? GOBBLE, GOBBLE MURDER is technically not one book, but a combination of two previously written novels by Leslie Meier respectively titled TURKEY DAY MURDER and TURKEY TROT MURDER, both part of the Lucy Stone series. GOBBLE GOBBLE MURDER enhances the holiday atmosphere with two stories about (of course) murder, Thanksgiving traditions and finding a guilty culprit – the heart of any page-turning mystery tale.
THIS LAND IS THEIR LAND By David J. Silverman
While Thanksgiving is a celebratory occasion amongst many, it is also a very controversial holiday showcasing a complex history that must be addressed. David J. Silverman’s THIS LAND IS THEIR LAND delves into the true meaning of Thanksgiving, the struggle of Indigenous people told through the voices of Wampanoag Natives and the overall impact that colonialism has had on Indigenous communities since the events of Plymouth centuries before.
DUCK FOR TURKEY DAY By Jacqueline Jules
DUCK FOR TURKEY DAY is a wonderful reminder that Americans are an exceedingly diverse melting pot and many bring their own ingredients and flavors to add, making the pot that more special. This book is ideal for children of multiple backgrounds and for all those who choose to not have turkey on Thanksgiving. Ultimately, the holiday is what you make of it and adding one’s own values and traditions make it a memorable occasion.
Conclusion
Books have a way of enhancing the Thanksgiving atmosphere by giving us time to pause and reflect on what we truly have to be grateful for. Hopefully you have plenty of reasons for that this Thanksgiving as you enjoy these titles with your loved ones!