Reading Thanksgiving books during the holiday season is a wonderful way to immerse ourselves and our children in the true meaning of Thanksgiving—beyond the turkey and stuffing :) These books have been with me for most of my own childhood! My mom gifted me her books after she sold my childhood home. They all bring the history of the Pilgrims and Native Americans to life, giving us a chance to honor the brave people who travelled here to escape religious persecution and seek better lives!

My favorites growing up were books like Sarah Morton’s Day and Samuel Eaton’s Day, which take you on a journey through the daily lives of Pilgrim children, allowing us to imagine what it was like to walk in their shoes. Reading about Squanto in Squanto’s Journey gives a glimpse into the life of this amazing man!

In addition to learning about history and culture, there are other classics that I have loved to share with my own children! Thanksgiving books also offer a way to connect as a family, creating traditions of reading together and reflecting on what it means to give thanks. Whether it’s a classic like Alcott’s An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving or a modern story like Sharing the Bread, they open up conversations about our own family traditions and what we can do to express gratitude daily.

Incorporating these stories during Thanksgiving helps create a deeper connection to the holiday. They give us space to pause, reflect, and talk about our faith & values —something that can often get lost in the hustle of the holiday season. Plus, they help build lasting memories that will stick with our kids long after the holiday is over! Which is your favorite?

• Squanto’s Journey: Squanto’s story is told from his perspective, focusing on how he helped the Pilgrims survive in the New World.
• Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving: This retelling highlights Squanto’s role as a God-given guide to the Pilgrims, emphasizing the spiritual side of the Thanksgiving story.
• The Pilgrims of Plymouth: A photo-illustrated introduction to the Pilgrims, this book covers their journey, settlement, and celebration of Thanksgiving.
• Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation: Two modern children time-travel to 1621 Plymouth and witness the first Thanksgiving in this engaging historical adventure.
• Three Young Pilgrims: The story follows three orphaned Pilgrim children as they embark on the Mayflower and experience the first Thanksgiving.
• N.C. Wyeth’s Pilgrims: Tells the story of the Pilgrims’ journey to America, their struggles in the New World, and their encounters with Native Americans, all vividly illustrated to capture the spirit and challenges of early colonial life.

• Giving Thanks: The 1621 Harvest Feast: This book presents a historically accurate recounting of the first Thanksgiving, blending Native American and Pilgrim perspectives.
• Sarah Morton’s Day: This book follows a day in the life of a Pilgrim girl in 1627, offering a glimpse into colonial life through a historical lens.
• Tapenum’s Day: This historical account shows a day in the life of Tapenum, a Wampanoag boy, as he strives to become a respected warrior in his community.
• Samuel Eaton’s Day: Set in 1627, this book captures a day in the life of Samuel, a young Pilgrim boy helping with the barley harvest.
• Mary Geddy’s Day: Set during the American Revolution, this story follows a young girl on the eve of her father’s crucial vote for independence.
• On the Mayflower: Follows the journey of the Pilgrims as they sail to the New World aboard the Mayflower. Through the eyes of a young apprentice and a passenger girl, the story captures the challenges, hopes, and daily life aboard the ship, bringing the historic voyage to life for young readers.

• Thank You, Sarah: This is the true story of Sarah Hale’s efforts to make Thanksgiving a national holiday through her persistent advocacy.
• Arthur’s Thanksgiving: Arthur takes on the task of directing the Thanksgiving play, facing unexpected challenges as he tries to keep everything running smoothly.
• Cranberry Thanksgiving: Set in New England, this tale features a grandmother’s famous cranberry bread recipe and the lesson of not judging others by appearances.
• It’s Thanksgiving: Part of the “It’s” series, this book includes humorous poems celebrating different aspects of Thanksgiving from a child’s perspective.
• Sharing the Bread: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story: This rhyming story shows a family working together to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the 19th century.
• Who’s That Stepping on Plymouth Rock?: This book humorously explores the history and legends surrounding Plymouth Rock, the iconic symbol of Pilgrim landing.
• In November: Cynthia Rylant’s poetic picture book celebrates the beauty of nature, animals, and family traditions during the fall season.

The Perfect Chapter Books to Read Aloud!

• The Thanksgiving Story: By the amazing Alice Dagliesh, the perfect story of the Pilgrims’ journey, hardships, and eventual celebration of Thanksgiving is told from a family’s perspective.
• An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving: This classic Louisa May Alcott tale captures the warmth and love of a 19th-century New England family’s Thanksgiving celebration.

Reading Thanksgiving picture books that highlight our Pilgrim heritage offers such a meaningful way to close out the holiday. As we share these stories with our children, we’re reminded of the courage, faith, and gratitude of those who came before us. These stories give us a chance to pause and appreciate the deep roots of Thanksgiving—showing our kids that it’s about more than just a meal. By revisiting our Pilgrim heritage together, we can bring the values of resilience, gratitude, and hope into our own lives, helping us make Thanksgiving not just a day but a lasting part of our family’s story.