For teachers, Thanksgiving may be difficult. Most people wish to guarantee an impartial, culturally considerate approach. We’ve chosen these Thanksgiving books for all ages and grade levels with care because of this. They feature works by native authors, an examination of seasonal customs, and original perspectives on what it is to be grateful.

1. I Am Thankfulby Sheri Wall (Pre-K–1)

The pleasant, rhyming refrain reminds children of all they have to be thankful for. “I’m appreciative. My heart expands. I am completely filled with love. One of the pre-K crowd’s favorite holiday books will be this one.

2. Thank You, Omu!by Oge Mora (Pre-K–1)

This Caldecott Honor book presents the tale of Omu and her delicious stew. She distributes it to everyone in the community, keeping nothing for her. Fortunately, her neighbors give back in exchange and share.

3. Thank You, Beesby Toni Yuly (Pre-K–1)

We have so much to be thankful for in nature! This adorable little book serves as a reminder that appreciation may be found everywhere.

4. Around the Table that Grandad Builtby Melanie Heuiser Hill (Pre-K–1)

Each participant contributes a dish with a unique meaning to the meal shared by a diverse gathering of relatives and friends. This story captures the spirit of Thanksgiving, even if it isn’t directly about a Thanksgiving meal.

5. Thanks a Millionby Nikki Grimes (Pre-K–3)

What it means to be grateful is examined in this poetry anthology. Despite not being a Thanksgiving book explicitly, it is the ideal read for this season of the year. We adore how many different types of poetry are represented.

6. Giving Thanks: More Than 100 Ways to Say Thank Youby Ellen Surrey ( K–1)

With this tribute to the various people, objects, and experiences one boy is grateful for, start a discussion about thankfulness. This book offers instructions for making a thankfulness jar and original suggestions for thank-you message writing.

7. Thanksgiving in the Woodsby Phyllis Alsdurf (K–2)

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or not, most students can identify with being a child during a sizable family event. There is fun to be enjoyed if you can get through the kissing, cheek-pinching “Hall of Aunts”!

8. The Great Thanksgiving Escapeby Mark Fearing (K–2)

Whether it’s Thanksgiving or not, most students can identify with being a child during a sizable family gathering. There is fun to be enjoyed if you can get through the kissing, cheek-pinching “Hall of Aunts”!

9. Duck For Turkey Dayby Jacqueline Jules (K–2)

People from various cultures and traditions make up the population of America. Even though many observe Thanksgiving, not everyone does so with turkey and pumpkin pie. Children are inspired by this story to find out more about Thanksgiving meals in American homes.

10. Rainbow Stewby Cathryn Falwell (K–2)

Harvest Home festivities, during which people express gratitude for a plentiful harvest, are related to Thanksgiving. With its snappy rhyming text and upbeat pictures, this book perfectly captures that mood and works well as a read-aloud.

11. Over the River and Through the Wood: The New England Boy’s Song About Thanksgiving Dayby L. Maria Child and Matt Tavares (K–3)

This is probably one of those Thanksgiving books whose lyrics your students already know. This version is a fantastic option for storytime because of the lavish and intricate artwork.

12. Balloons Over Broadwayby Melissa Sweet (K–3)

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a popular way to begin Thanksgiving Day. This entertaining book, which tells the true tale of master puppeteer Tony Sarg, is filled with interesting photographs.

13. Yum! MMMM! Que Rico!by Pat Mora (K–5)

America produces various crops, including cranberries, potatoes, and pumpkins. These imaginatively painted haiku about several crops are accompanied by factual information about each.

14. We Are Grateful: Otsaliheligaby Traci Sorell (K–5)

Thanksgiving is an excellent occasion to distribute books by and about indigenous people. This article is interesting and inspiring in its discussion of the Cherokee culture of appreciation.

15. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Storyby Kevin Noble Maillard (K–5)

Sharing books by and about indigenous people is especially fun around Thanksgiving. This essay on the Cherokee practice of thanksgiving is inspiring and fascinating.

16. Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Thanksgiving With Turkey, Family, and Counting Blessingsby Deborah Heiligman (K–5)

This article from National Geographic is chock-full of fascinating details about Thanksgiving’s past. It draws attention to the relationship to the National Day of Mourning and demonstrates how families currently celebrate.

17. Squanto’s Story: The Story of The First Thanksgivingby Joseph Bruchac (K-5)

Pick novels written by indigenous writers if you want to ensure the tales of indigenous peoples are told accurately. A member of the Abenaki tribe, Bruchac explores the life of Squanto, a key character in the First Thanksgiving narrative. The author uses Squanto’s perspective to recount the tale and his life before and after the arrival of the first Europeans are covered.

18. Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnicby Ginnie Lo (Gr. 2–5)

Many cultures’ festivities include a family road trip, a large supper, and a horde of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Discover how new traditions are created, even those that defy accepted cultural conventions.

19. Not This Turkey!by Jessica Steinberg (Gr. 2–5)

Many cultures’ festivities include a family road trip, a large supper, and a horde of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Discover how new traditions are created, even those that defy accepted cultural conventions.

20. 1621: A New Look at Thanksgivingby Catherine O’Neill Grace (Gr. 2–8)

For gained the experience and middle school students, this Holiday book by National Geographic is one of many they have produced. For even more lesson plans, go through the extra materials Plimoth Plantation provides.