Looking to add to your collection? Here are some books about Thanksgiving.
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Disclaimer – I have not read these books so I cannot speak to their appropriateness for a K-12 Christian School library. I encourage librarians to read the books before making a purchasing decision.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to gather stories that celebrate gratitude, family, community, and the real history behind the holiday. In recent years, many new books have reimagined the way we talk about Thanksgiving—highlighting diverse voices, accurate history, and meaningful traditions. Whether you’re planning a classroom read-aloud, building a seasonal book display, or updating your library collection, these recently published titles offer a thoughtful mix of reflection, learning, and joy for readers of all ages.
Picture Book
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry & Alexis Bunten; illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr. – https://amzn.to/49aFR4B
A picture book told through a Wampanoag grandmother’s narration of “Keepunumuk” (the harvest time) and the story of corn (Weeâchumun) and her sisters teaching the newcomers, with back matter and glossary. Historical accuracy? Yes — this book intentionally centers the Wampanoag perspective, uses Indigenous language, and includes a more nuanced view of the first Thanksgiving and its aftermath. It prompts discussion of how some Indigenous people consider it a “day of mourning.”
A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting – https://amzn.to/4qXtGP2
A newer picture book about Moose inviting his friends for Thanksgiving dinner and Turkey being afraid he’s going to be the dinner, but instead being the guest. Historical accuracy? No — A humorous fictional story centered on Thanksgiving, not on historical origins.
I Am Thankful: A Story About Gratitude and Family by Sheri Wall. – https://amzn.to/4nO2QGp
Focuses on gratitude and family traditions across families. Historical accuracy? Minimal — more thematic about “thankful” than the origin story.
Thanksgiving (Leveled Reader): By Mari Schuh – https://amzn.to/3LFvpIw
A leveled reader for emergent readers about Thanksgiving traditions and symbols (foods, family). Historical accuracy? Some basis in holiday traditions, but not deep historical context of the “first Thanksgiving.”
T Is for Turkey by Tanya Lee Stone & Gerald Kelley – https://amzn.to/4ozLIFf
An alphabet shaped book that traces “T is for Turkey… Pilgrims… Harvest” and includes the first Thanksgiving story in rhyme. Historical accuracy? Some attempt at linking to “true story” though as an alphabet picture/early reader it simplifies heavily.
Elementary / Chapter Books
The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing – https://amzn.to/47YjpcM
A fun read (probably upper-elementary) around Thanksgiving holiday context (adventure/escape theme). Historical accuracy? Fiction, so historical accuracy is not the focus.
Nonfiction
The Real Story of Thanksgiving: Myths, Truths, and Untold Histories by Thomas J. Grey – https://amzn.to/3JZICeK
This nonfiction work unpacks the myths of the first Thanksgiving, highlights Native American voices, and explores how the holiday has been constructed in U.S. history. Historical accuracy? Yes — This book explicitly aims to challenge the standard myth and present more complex historical realities.
This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving by David J. Silverman – https://amzn.to/4oBFrJd
This title looks at the Wampanoag experience, Plymouth Colony, and how the Thanksgiving tradition evolved. Historical accuracy? Yes — This is serious historical scholarship focusing on Indigenous perspectives and colonial history.
Thanksgiving can be more than turkey and pumpkin pie—it’s an opportunity to encourage empathy, gratitude, and deeper understanding. By sharing books that honor both tradition and truth, we help students see the holiday through a wider lens and appreciate the many ways people give thanks. I hope this list helps you find just the right stories to spark conversation and connection in your library or classroom this season.
As always, especially with books I have not read myself, I encourage librarians to read these books for themselves before making a purchasing decision.
Find more Thanksgiving book Lists here.
Read more Bibliography and Book List posts.
Read my reviews of Thanksgiving titles.
Check out my lists on Benable
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