Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids to Read Aloud

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Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids arranged in columns featuring books about the Mayflower, pilgrims, Native Americans, and the first thanksgiving feast with books ranging from picture books, early chapter books and read alouds to help develop Thanksgiving Unit studies.

Best Historical Thanksgiving Books: References and resources for a developing Thanksgiving Unit Study. This post does not necessarily include recommendations but rather resources I intend to explore in the upcoming years. Each year, I will expand our book recommendations and reviews, as this is a significant part of history that I am eager to explore with my girls. Hopefully, this will become a valuable resource page!

Most of the books listed were found at our local library, and I plan to purchase a few to keep on hand for annual reviews, allowing us to revisit familiar information and build upon our Thanksgiving unit each year.

What is the purpose of this post?

This post serves as a resource and research tracker for curating read-alouds and independent reads for your Thanksgiving Unit Study. By sharing my findings, I hope to help you curate your own Thanksgiving book selections, making the process easier and helping you discover beautiful stories that are a great fit for your readers.

Thanksgiving Resources: A Research Reflection (not necessarily recommendations)

Here’s What you will Find:
  • Original Historical Documents
  • Picture Books for Young Children (4-6+)
  • Lengthy Historical Picture Books (6-8+)
  • Early Reader Chapter Books
  • Read Aloud Chapter Books
  • Supplement Videos

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.

Original Historical Documents

  1. Mayflower Compact
    Agreement between the Settlers at New Plymouth, 1620
  2. William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation {Copy of Of Plymouth Plantation with original illustrations}
  3. Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation 118—Thanksgiving Day, 1864
  4. Sale Hale’s Letter to Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Picture Books for Young Children (4-6+)

This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore

Pilgrims hold dances and dance around their village on Thanksgiving Day on the book over of "This is the Feast," a book on the thankful books for kids.
This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore

In rhythmic verse detailed with colorful illustrations, This is the Feast takes a moment to celebrate our religious freedom on the first Thanksgiving, a three-day celebration with pilgrims and Indians joining together. This is a great way to introduce young readers to the Pilgrims’ journey.

Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson

Sarah Hale dressed in black sits at her writing desk with her writing pen on the Children's Thanksgiving Book "Thank You, Sarah" by Laurie Halse Anderson, a book on the Best Thankful Books for Kids Thanksgiving Books Booklist.
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson

This is favorite picture book featuring the true story of Sarah Josepha Hale and the history of Thanksgiving Day becoming a national holiday.

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas

Squanto, a native American male stands holding a spear with pilgrims in the background on the book cover of "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist.
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas

This picture book biography by Eric Metaxas tells the difficult story of Squanto, a Native American, who returns to his village after being sold into slavery for ten years. He discovers his village wiped out by disease. Squanto’s faith is tested but not destroyed. Squanto comes to the Pilgrims’ aid to help them survive the winter.

Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac

Squanto paddles his wooden boat on the sea with the mayflower in the background on the children's picture book "Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving" by Joseph Bruchac, a book on the Thankful Books for Kids: Thanksgiving Books Booklist.
Squanto’s Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac

This is another favorite historical picture book about the story of Squanto.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

A young man holds the strings to a large tiger balloon, pulling it down Broadway in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on the book cover of "Balloons Over Broadway," a book on the thankful books for kids booklist.
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

This picture book is a biography of Tony Sarg, the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet’s collage, detailed illustrations brilliantly depict Sarg from his childhood inventions to the giant magnificent balloons that floated in the sky down Broadway. If the Thanksgiving Day parade is part of your family traditions, this is a great book to add to your list of great Thanksgiving books.

More Picture Books for Thanksgiving {HERE}

Lengthy Picture Books with Illustrations (15-20 minutes)

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Craighead George with illustrations by Thomas Locker (ages 6-8+)

A family of Pilgrims prepare the table for the very thanksgiving feast on the classic historical picture book "The First Thanksgiving with words by Jean Craighead George and pictures by Thomas Locker, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
The First Thanksgiving by Jean Craighead George with illustrations by Thomas Locker

32 pages. Grade level K-3.

The Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern (ages 6-8+)

Women pilgrims and Indians cook the Thanksgiving feast in the village while men talk and kids run and play on the children's book "The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving" by Ann McGovern, a book on the best historical Thanksgiving books for kids booklist.
The Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern

32 pages. Grade Level 2-5.

…If You Sailed the Mayflower in 1620 by Ann McGovern (ages 6-8+)

The Mayflower passengers cheer at the sight of land on the history picture book "...If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620" by Ann McGovern, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids Booklist.
…If You Sailed the Mayflower in 1620 by Ann McGovern

80 pages. Grade level 2-5.

Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness (6-8+)

Two Pilgrim women churn butter outside their home while a Pilgrim male carries a bundle of sticks on the Thanksgiving Book Read Aloud "Three Young Pilgrims" by Cheryl Harness, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness

40 pages. Grade level 2-5.

The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower by P. J. Lynch (8+)

On the stormy night and rough seas, a young boy falls off the Mayflower into the sea on the picture book "The Boy Who Fell off the Mayflower" by PJ Lynch, a book on the best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower by P. J. Lynch

64 pages. Grade level 2-5.

The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall (6-8+)

The pilgrims prepare the village for the Thanksgiving Feast in Plimoth on the Thanksgiving Book "The Pilgrims of Plimoth" by Marcia Sewall, a book on the best Historical Thanksgiving Books for kids booklist.
The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall

48 pages. Grade level 2-5.

Picture Books about American Indian Culture

The Story of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with illustrations by Susan Jeffers (6-8+)

Young native american named Hiawatha with a headdress with words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and pictures by Susan Jeffers, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving books for Kids booklist.
The Story of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with illustrations by Susan Jeffers

32 pages. Grade level K-2.

People of the Breaking Day by Marcia Sewall (6-8)+

Native Indians rise outside their huts at sunrise on the thanksgiving day book "People of the Breaking Day" by Marcia Sewall, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids Booklist.
People of the Breaking Day by Marcia Sewall

48 pages. Grade level 2-5.

The Very First Americans by Cara Ashrose

A tribe of Native American Indians put up a teepee on the picture book "The Very Americans" by Cara Ashrose, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
The Very First Americans by Cara Ashrose

32 pages. Grade level K-2.

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer

Native Indian spirits float above the corn field with a red fox on the children's picture book "Keepunumuk" by Danielle Greendeer, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer

32 pages. Grade level K-2.

Kate Water’s Day in the Life Books (4-8)

Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters (4-8)

A young pilgrim girl tends the garden and puts her harvest in a wicker basket on the thanksgiving picture book "Sarah Morton's Day" by Kate Waters, a book on the best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl by Kate Waters

Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters

A young pilgrim boy collects mussels and places them into his wicker basket on the Thanksgiving picture book "Samuel Eaton's Day" by Kate Waters, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy by Kate Waters

Tapenum’s Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy by Kate Waters

A young Indian Boy from the Wampanoag tribe pulls back an arrow on his bow on the book "Tapenum's Day" by Kate Waters, a book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Tapenum’s Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy by Kate Waters

If you enjoy Kate Waters’s books, this one is similar.

National Geographic Kids: Pilgrims of Plymouth by Susan Goodman

A young pilgrim boy smiles as he carries a bundle of sticks on the National Geographic Kids "Pilgrims of Plymouth" by Susan Goodman, a book on the best historical Thanksgiving Books for kids booklist.
National Geographic Kids: Pilgrims of Plymouth by Susan Goodman

Early Chapter Books for Developing Readers (Early Readers)

The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh with illustrations by Helen Sewell

Squanto and three pilgrims carry food to the first Thanksgiving Day feast on the classic early chapter book "The Thanksgiving Story" by Alice Dalgliesh, a book featured on the best historical Thanksgiving Books for kids booklist.
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh with illustrations by Helen Sewell

Short chapters. 32 pages. Grade level K-3.
Great Read Aloud for Young Children or Independent Read for developing readers.

Who’s That Stepping on Plymouth Rock? by Jean Fritz (8+)

A pilgrim family stands on Plymouth Rock outside the village near the sea in the first chapter book "Who's That Stepping on Plymouth Rock?" by Jean Fritz, a read-aloud book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids Booklist.
Who’s That Stepping on Plymouth Rock? by Jean Fritz

32 pages. Grade level 2-4.

Problems in Plymouth (AIO Imagination Station) by Marianne Hering

Two young pilgrims run near the village on the early chapter book "The Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouth" by Marianne Hering, a book on the best historical Thanksgiving Books for kids booklist.
Problems in Plymouth (AIO Imagination Station) by Marianne Hering

short chapters. 128 pages. Grade level 2-5.

If you enjoy the Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, there is Thanksgiving on Thursday.

Pilgrims by Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker)

A pilgrim woman mends clothes on the Magic Tree House Fact Checkers by Mary Pope Osborne early chapter book to accompany the historical fantasy fiction chapter book Thanksgiving on Thursday, a book on the best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Pilgrims by Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker)

128 pages. Grade level 2-5.

Steps Into Reading: The First Thanksgiving by Linda Hayward (OOP)

Native Indians and Pilgrims prepare the table for the First Thanksgiving feast on the "Step Into Reading: The First Thanksgiving" by Linda Hayward, an early chapter book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Steps Into Reading: The First Thanksgiving by Linda Hayward

48 pages. Grade level K-3. This one is out of print.

Longer Thanksgiving Read Alouds

The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh with illustrations by Helen Sewell

Squanto and three pilgrims carry food to the first Thanksgiving Day feast on the classic early chapter book "The Thanksgiving Story" by Alice Dalgliesh, a book featured on the best historical Thanksgiving Books for kids booklist.
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh with illustrations by Helen Sewell

Short chapters. 32 pages. Grade level K-3.
Great Read Aloud for Young Children or Independent Read for developing readers.

The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty (Landmark Books)

Pilgrims climb out of the wooden boat onto land on the read aloud Thanksgiving book "The Landing of the Pilgrims" by James Daugherty from Landmark Books, a read-aloud book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty (Landmark Books)

Read Aloud – 3h 14m. 160 pages. Grade level 3-7.

Pilgrims Stories by Margaret Pumphrey

A young pilgrim holds a bouquet with illustrations of pilgrims and the Mayflower in the background on the chapter book "Pilgrim Stories" by Margaret Pumphrey, a read aloud book on the Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids booklist.
Pilgrims Stories by Margaret Pumphrey

128 pages. – 4hr 12m. Grade level K-4.

Supplement Audio/Videos

Focus on the Family’s Dramatic Audio Production:

Squanto: A Thanksgiving Drama (Part 1 of 2) (29 mins)
Squanto: A Thanksgiving Drama (Part 2 of 2) (29 mins)

More Thanksgiving Resources:

Free Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunts

Free Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Printables arranged on a beige background with fall leaves and orange pumpkins for decoration.

Get FREE Printable Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunts {HERE}.

Favorite Thanksgiving Picture Books

Book covers filled with Pilgrims, Native Americans, Fall Leaves, Diverse people groups, young children, city buses, pink pigs, woodland creatures, and Thanksgiving Day feasts arranged on an autumn orange background with bold black text that reads thankful books for kids and decorated with orange leaves, acorns, and pumpkins.

Get the complete Thanksgiving booklist {HERE}.

Best Picture Books for November

Best November Picture Books for Kids booklist featuring classic children's books and new releases children's book covers arranged in rows with watercolor deer and watercolor font.

Get the complete list of favorite picture books for November {HERE}.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite Thanksgiving Resources or Book recommendations to add to The Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids Booklist. If you have any recommendations, please feel free to share them in the comment section. Subscribe to my mailing list for monthly picture booklists delivered right to your inbox.

HAPPY READING!

– With Great Joy, Katie

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Best Historical Thanksgiving Books for Kids arranged in columns featuring books about the Mayflower, pilgrims, Native Americans, and the first thanksgiving feast with books ranging from picture books, early chapter books and read alouds to help develop Thanksgiving Unit studies.

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