Books For Thanksgiving

An important value I hope to pass along to my children is that we should never stop seeking to learn. This has proven especially true as we go into this Thanksgiving season as I am learning how to correct the narrative that so many of us have been told about Thanksgiving.

To start I want to highlight two helpful resources to help you on your journey. Stories Of Color is a vast and incredible website with lots of recommendations for books written by diverse authors and perspectives. Even more impressive is that membership is donation based so that it’s accessible to all families. Another helpful booklist that I found after making this initial list is from the First Nations website. Their book recommendations are about the Native American experience, not Thanksgiving, but this helps to provide a deeper understanding of their culture and history. I also appreciate that they have books listed for both adults and children.

I still have much to learn and the following sections risks oversimplification, but these are some of the takeaway points I am using with my kids as I tell them the story of Thanksgiving:

The Wampanoag People Were The Heroes Of This Story

Though the Pilgrims were brave, hard-working and resilient, without hospitality and assistance from the Wampanoag people, it’s very likely that they would not have survived. They were dying by the dozen until the Wampanoag people stepped in to help them. They were unfamiliar with the ways of the land and learned much from the First People who helped them.

Thanksgiving And Gratitude Celebrations Are A Native American Concept

Thanksgiving and gratitude celebrations were part of Native American traditions long before the Pilgrims arrived. Often the concept of Thanksgiving is credited to the Pilgrims, but in fact, seasonal celebrations of gratitude are deeply rooted in Native American rhythms and culture.

The Pilgrims Were Some Of The First Immigrants In This Land

They were some of the earliest settlers who came to stay (not just to make trades or steal resources) and the hospitality of the First People was what helped them to survive. Many of us who are citizens in this country would be wise to remember that we were once immigrants. This was not our land. Let this inspire us to care for immigrants in our midst now and fight against the racism that pervades our communities and laws.

Tisquantum (Squanto) Was A TRUE HERO To The Pilgrims

His story is like something from legend. Though he was betrayed by traders and lost his family to diseases brought by Europeans, he chose forgiveness and kindness and was a peacemaker with the new settlers. He advocated for them, translated for them and taught them the ways of the land. I only ever remembered basic facts about him, but after reading a few of these children’s books I am inspired to read a full biography about him.

The Thanksgiving Holiday Is A Day Of Mourning For Many Native Americans

In some ways, Thanksgiving symbolizes the beginning of the end for the Native American way of life. Though the Pilgrims themselves sought peace, settlers over the centuries have brought diseases, stolen land, murdered and exiled Native Americans, and made laws that prevent First People from living on their land and practicing their traditions. Each year many New England tribes gather at Plymouth Rock on Thanksgiving Day to remember their ancestors. (source: Keepunmunk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story)

What We’re Reading This Thanksgiving Season

Below you can see pictures of some books that we’ve been reading this season. This is by no means a comprehensive list - it only scratches the surface! The more I research, the more I realize that there are so many more amazing books to discover on this learning journey about the multi-faceted story of Thanksgiving!

I do admittedly still have critiques for some of the books listed, so I will continue to work on finding books that reflect an accurate and respectful portrayal of history. It also should be noted that verbal editing is occasionally needed in these books - for example the word Indian is used in some and that should be read as Wampanoag, Native American, or First People. I am also taking time to explain my thoughts and the complexity of it all to my kids as we read together.

You can download a free printable PDF with the titles if you click the button below.