November is a great time to read aloud books about Thanksgiving. And it’s for talking about Native American history and gratitude, as well. Here are my favorite picture books for Thanksgiving!
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Picture Books for Thanksgiving
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We Are Grateful by Traci Sorell
We Are Grateful is an #ownvoices book, written by a member of a native nation. The story explains the meaning of the Cherokee word, otsaliheliga. This word is used to express gratitude.
The dual-language book takes us through a year of Cherokee celebrations and experiences. It describes how they express gratitude throughout the year.
Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
Balloons Over Broadway is a biography about the man who invented the first balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Tony Sarg was a self-taught immigrant. He had a childhood love of creating marionettes. Tony was hired by Macy’s to create these balloons.
This story is fully of mixed media collages. These illustrations are simply captivating!
Since I like this book so much, I created a FREE Interactive Read Aloud for you to use!
Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard
Fry Bread is another #ownvoices book. The poetic text explores the characteristics of fry bread. It explains how it is more than just food. It is history, culture, diversity, resourcefulness, perseverance, family and community.
Readers learn its importance of fry bread as a symbol of Native American culture. The back matter of the book provides additional information about Native American culture.
Get the interactive read aloud lesson for Fry Bread inside the Colorful Apple Book Club!
Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf
Thanksgiving in the Woods is based on a true story of a family in upstate New York. This family has hosted an outdoor feast for the past 20 years for over 200 people!
The story celebrates the gratitude and community that is Thanksgiving. It will lead to great discussions in the classroom about traditions.
Thanksgiving in the Woods is also a great mentor text for personal narratives!
Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano
Turkey Trouble is a hilarious book! Students will love how silly and fun this book is. Turkey is in trouble – Thanksgiving is coming and he’s the main course!
So he decides to take matters into his own hands. Turkey tries to disguise himself as different farm animals. Will any of Turkey’s disguises work?
What are some of your favorite picture books for Thanksgiving?
Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting
Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn’t realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.
Which of these Thanksgiving picture books will you read aloud in your classroom this year?
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