Thanksgiving History

Discover kids' books about Thanksgiving history from an Indigenous perspective and more with these selections from our team. 

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Bruchac, Joseph, 1942-

Squanto recounts how in 1614 he was captured by the British, sold into slavery in Spain, and ultimately returned to the New World to become a guide and friend for the colonists.

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Coombs, Linda, author.

"Until now, you've only heard one side of the story: the "discovery" of America told by Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists. Here's the true story of America from the Indigenous perspective. When you think about the beginning of the American story, what comes to mind? Three ships in 1492, or perhaps buckled hats and shoes stepping off of the Mayflower, ready to start a new country. But the truth is, Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists didn't arrive to a vast, empty land ready to be developed. They arrived to find people and communities living in harmony with the land they had inhabited for thousands of years, and they quickly disrupted everything they saw. From its "discovery" by Europeans to the first Thanksgiving, the story of America's earliest days has been carefully misrepresented. Told from the perspective of the New England Indigenous Nations that these outsiders found when they arrived, this is the true story of how America as we know it today began." -- Provided by publisher.

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DePalma, Kate. author.

Through lyrical, rhyming text, and vibrant artwork, young readers can explore twelve cultures around the world, learning all about their harvest festivals, days of thanks, ancient traditions and the activities associated with them.

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DeGroat, Cayla Bellanger, author

Thanksgiving is a popular holiday in the US. But many people don't know the true or whole history of the holiday. Readers will learn how Thanksgiving really started and its lasting legacy in the US. Have you ever considered what's missing from history books? In Left Out of History, explore the misunderstood and underexamined past in this engaging series. Compelling photographs and primary sources help bring previously buried history to light. Read Woke Books are created in partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke librarian. Inspired by a belief that knowledge is power, Read Woke Books seek to amplify the voices of people of the global majority (people who are of African, Arab, Asian, and Latin American descent and identify as not white), provide information about groups that have been disenfranchised, share perspectives of people who have been underrepresented or oppressed, challenge social norms and disrupt the status quo, and encourage readers to take action in their community.

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Grace, Catherine O'Neill, 1950-
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Greendeer, Danielle, author.

Wampanoag children listen as their grandmother tells them the story about how Weeâchumun (the wise Corn) asked local Native Americans to show the newcomers how to grow food to yield a good harvest--Keepunumuk--in 1621.

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Kiernan, Denise, author.

"The beautifully illustrated true story of how Thanksgiving became a national holiday in America, of Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who made the holiday happen, and of the role of gratitude the world over"-- Provided by publisher.

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Newell, Chris, author.

"Do you know the true story of the Thanksgiving feast at Plimoth? Carefully crafted to explore both sides of this historical event, this book is a great choice for Thanksgiving units, and for teaching children about the true history of this popular holiday"-- Provided by publisher.

Summaries provided by DPL's catalog unless otherwise noted. Click on each title to view more information.

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