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I’m going to be honest: every year I promise myself I’ll start Thanksgiving reading earlier than the week of the holiday. Then boom — between crafts, lesson plans, and pumpkin pie practice runs, I find myself scrambling for meaningful books that actually teach gratitude and give kids a real sense of the history behind Thanksgiving. If you’re like me — juggling homeschooling, blog deadlines, or just trying to make holiday family time feel calm and meaningful — this list is for you.
Below you’ll find 25+ hand-picked children’s books that teach gratitude, kindness, and (where appropriate) age-accurate history. I wrote this post so you don’t waste time combing through endless titles: these are reader-tested, loveable, and available on Amazon (different editions/printings may vary — I recommend checking the edition that fits your child’s age). Use this as a one-stop reading list, a homeschool resource, or a classroom read-aloud plan.
Why this list solves your problem
Parents and teachers tell me the same thing: they want books that are engaging, teachable, and respectful of history. Some Thanksgiving books sugarcoat events; some teach gratitude in a way that feels forced. I focused on books that:
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Model gratitude and simple, everyday thankfulness;
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Offer historical context for older kids (Mayflower, Pilgrims, Indigenous perspectives) without oversimplifying;
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Include activity-friendly ideas for follow-up discussion or crafts; and
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Are easy to find on Amazon so you can buy, gift, or add to classroom libraries quickly.
The list — 25+ great Thanksgiving books for kids
Short blurbs follow each title so you know why it’s worth reading. All of these books are commonly available on Amazon — check the edition for reading level or classroom use.
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The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks — A cozy, family-centered story about being thankful for what you have. Great for preschool–early elementary read-alouds.
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Turkey Trouble (Wendi Silvano) — A hilarious, clever turkey tries to escape Thanksgiving dinner. Teaches empathy and humor.
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The Thankful Book (Todd Parr) — Bright illustrations, simple text. Perfect introduction to gratitude for little ones.
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The Night Before Thanksgiving (Natasha Wing) — A festive, rhyming read-aloud that’s ideal for family story time.
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Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ (Eileen Spinelli) — A fun tale of holiday mishaps and togetherness.
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A Turkey for Thanksgiving (Eve Bunting) — A thoughtful story about friendship and surprising kindness.
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If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 (Ann McGovern) — A solid, age-appropriate historical intro for upper elementary readers.
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Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving (Eric Metaxas) — A biographical picture book focusing on Squanto’s role; good for discussing Indigenous perspectives (use alongside other sources).
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The First Thanksgiving (Jean Craighead George) — Well-written historical narrative for older kids; pairs nicely with primary-source activities.
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The Thanksgiving Story (Alice Dalgliesh) — A classic retelling of the Pilgrim–Wampanoag story with lyrical text.
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An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving (Louisa May Alcott, adapted picture-book editions) — A heartwarming 19th-century story about family, community, and gratitude.
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The Crayons Give Thanks (Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers) — Everyone’s favorite crayons are back with a colorful lesson in gratitude! This playful book reminds kids to be thankful for the little things — from bright colors to warm hugs — all through the charming humor that makes the Crayons series so lovable. Perfect for preschool and early elementary readers.
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Bear Says Thanks (Karma Wilson) — Sweet and simple, with a gentle lesson in sharing and gratitude.
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Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving (Laurie Halse Anderson) — A picture-book biography about Sarah Josepha Hale and how she campaigned to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Great for lessons on civic action and history.
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The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving (Ann McGovern) — Short, accessible history good for classroom readers.
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Over the River and Through the Wood (picture-book versions of the poem) — A nostalgic poem turned picture book; good for historic traditions and music.
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Thanksgiving Day (Anne Rockwell) — A simple and heartwarming story that walks children through the traditions of Thanksgiving, from family gatherings to sharing gratitude. Perfect for young readers learning what the holiday is all about.
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A Plump and Perky Turkey (Teresa Bateman) — Rhythmic text and fun illustrations; a light-hearted choice for little readers.
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Thanks for Thanksgiving (Julie Markes) — A gentle, thankful-themed book suitable for very young children.
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Thanksgiving Is… (Gail Gibbons) — A beautifully illustrated book that explains the history and traditions of Thanksgiving in a kid-friendly way, blending facts with the warmth of the holiday spirit. Great for classroom or family read-alouds.
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The Little Pilgrim’s Progress (Helen L Taylor) — A timeless retelling of John Bunyan’s classic, rewritten in a way children can understand. This inspiring story follows Little Christian on his journey of faith, teaching perseverance, gratitude, and hope — perfect for older elementary and middle-grade readers.
Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving (James Dean) — A fun flaps-book featuring Pete the Cat in a school play about Thanksgiving—great for slightly older kids.
Thank You, Omu! (Oge Mora) — Not a Thanksgiving book per se, but a modern classic about sharing, community, and gratitude — perfect for discussion.
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Llama Llama Gives Thanks (Anna Dewdney) A small board book focused on gratitude and things to give thanks for — nicely suited for toddlers.
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The Thanksgiving Door (Debby Atwell) — A cozy tale that blends gratitude and imagination.
Pookie’s Thanksgiving (Sandra Boynton) — A sweet board book by Sandra Boynton about preparing for Thanksgiving together—perfect for younger children.
- 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O’Neill Grace — A photo-essay style book that gives a more balanced, historically accurate look at the 1621 feast between the Wampanoag people and the Pilgrims, aimed at ages 8-12.
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Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners by Lucille Recht Penner — Focuses on the daily life, food, and survival of the Pilgrims, giving older kids (ages roughly 7-10+) a “what would it have been like” experience.
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We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell — While it’s accessible for younger kids, its themes of gratitude across seasons and connection to the Cherokee word “otsaliheliga” make it a nice read-aloud/discussion piece for upper elementary as well.
(Depending on the edition you pick, many of the titles above come in board book, picture book, or classroom/larger print formats — choose what fits your child’s age and your classroom needs.)
How to use these books in a lesson or family activity
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Preschool (ages 2–5): Pick bright, short books like The Thankful Book or Bear Says Thanks. Follow with a “thankful jar” activity: each child drops a bead or note for something they’re grateful for.
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Early elementary (ages 5–8): Mix picture books with silly reads like Turkey Trouble. Have kids draw one thing they’re thankful for and create a class gratitude tree.
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Upper elementary (ages 9–11): Read historical titles (If You Sailed on the Mayflower, The First Thanksgiving). Have students compare perspectives: what did Pilgrims write? How might Indigenous peoples’ views differ? Assign short research projects or a primary-source scavenger hunt.
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Family reading: Rotate picture books each night the week before Thanksgiving for a calm, cohesive build-up to the holiday.
Quick tips for buying (so you don’t waste time)
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Check edition/reading level on Amazon: picture book vs. board book vs. chapter adaptation.
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Bundle for classrooms: many sellers have multi-copy discounts or teacher editions.
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Look at publication date if you want historically updated language or recent Indigenous-authored perspectives.
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Kindle vs. physical copy: for classrooms I prefer physical; for traveling, Kindle editions work well.
Final thought (and a small request)
I wrote this because I’ve been in your shoes: overwhelmed with holiday to-dos and wanting to make the season meaningful without the stress. Those quiet moments with a good book can completely change how kids understand gratitude and history. Pick a title or two from this list, read it slow, ask one or two thoughtful questions afterward, and you’ll be surprised how rich your Thanksgiving conversations become.
Leave a comment below: Which age are you reading for — preschool, early elementary, or older kids — and what’s your family’s favorite Thanksgiving tradition? I read every comment and will reply with a personalized book-pick for your child’s age.
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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