The holiday season is upon us which means it’s the perfect time to talk about being thankful and the importance of expressing gratitude with our students. When we are able to reflect on the things that we are thankful for, and show gratitude for even the little things we are happier and healthier in the long run.
Here is a list of books that would make a great addition in your classroom to help your students uncover the true meaning of being thankful. These books are not only great for the holiday season but can definitely be pulled out throughout the year.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Thankful Read Aloud Books video on my Youtube channel.
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Thankful Read-Aloud Books
Those Shoes by: Maribeth Boelts
Those Shoes is the story of Jeremy whose shoes are falling apart and he really wants “those shoes”, that everyone else at school has. Unfortunately, he cannot afford those shoes but instead gets a pair from a thrift store. This read-aloud addresses important concepts of kindness and generosity. A great story to address important issues like fitting in, gratitude, and the difference between needs and wants.
We Are Grateful by: Traci Sorell
We Are Grateful is a celebration of gratefulness expressed by Cherokee people. A wonderful book to explore thankfulness in different capacities. You can learn more about this read-aloud in my Thanksgiving Read-Aloud post.
Last Stop on Market Street by: Matt de la Peña
Last Stop on Market Street is definitely on my list of favorites. A story about a young boy riding on the bus with his grandmother to volunteer at a soup kitchen. The words and illustrations celebrate life’s little gems. It’s a story that reminds us to appreciate what we have and all that we can give. Your students will love the bright illustrations and the descriptive vocabulary.
Thank You, Omu! By: Oge Mora
Thank You, Omu is the story of a generous lady who gives and gives and gives until she finds that she has given out all of her delicious soup, leaving her with no dinner for herself. A beautiful story of selflessness and appreciation but also the importance of community. It’s an excellent portrayal of generosity. I also have an interactive read-aloud for you to use with your students. This is one of my absolute favorites!
Thanks a Million by: Nikki Grimes
Thanks a Million is a collection of sixteen different poems in different styles, reminding us how wonderful it is to feel thankful. We are reminded of the big and small things that we can be thankful for. Although it’s a little bit different, your students will definitely enjoy this powerful compilation of poems.
Gracias, Thanks by: Pat Mora
Gracias, Thanks is an excellent read-aloud where a little boy shares everything he is grateful for every day. We often forget to be thankful for not only the big things but the small things, too. A wonderful reminder for your students, and this story will spark some great conversations in the classroom.
Thankful by: Eileen Spinelli
Thankful portrays the importance of all the different things we can be grateful for. Through poetic text and simple illustrations, your students will enjoy this one. This book truly highlights all of the little things we can express gratitude towards but in a simple way.
Along with these wonderful read-alouds, grab these discussion cards to prompt great discussions in your classrooms. They go well with all of the books shared in this post!
What are some of your favorite books to express gratitude?
Want to save these books for later? Pin the image below!
