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25 Must-Read Thanksgiving Books for Kids and Adults

Crossroad Publisher By Crossroad Publisher
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Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude and family. It’s also the perfect season for some meaningful reading. Indeed, thanksgiving books will enhance your appreciation of the season.

As you prepare for Thanksgiving Day 2024, discover these heartfelt Thanksgiving stories.

Here are 25 must-read books you can read this season. Kids, adults, and aspiring chefs, there’s something for everyone in this list compiled by the Crossroad team.

Reading During the Holidays

Thanksgiving is more than just dining and websites. However, at heart, it is all about storytelling. Stories of pilgrims, of faith, of loved ones, and of those who have gone before us. That’s why it is the perfect to share stories.

What to read for Thanksgiving?

There are so many books to enjoy during Thanksgiving. Our collection of Thanksgiving books ranges from classic fiction to heartwarming children's stories, and from insightful nonfiction to cookbooks.

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Fiction

Let’s begin with novels and short stories.

1. An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott

This short story takes us back to 19th-century New England, where a family comes together during difficult circumstances. Alcott’s warm portrayal of family life comes to life during Thanksgiving.

2. The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote

In this touching story, Capote explores themes of forgiveness and understanding in the context of this special day. Published first as a short story, The Thanksgiving Visitor reminds readers of the true spirit of the holiday.

3. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

Thirdly, we have a light-hearted romantic comedy. It’s an uplifting read filled with humor, family chaos, and the season's warmth and charm.

4. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Here’s another story about the struggles of family life. Set against the backdrop of the Dust Bowl droughts during the Great Depression, The Four Winds explores the themes of resilience, hope, and strength.

5. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by Charles M. Schulz

The last on our list of fiction books, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is a timeless classic. Charlie Brown and the gang experience the ups and downs of the holiday, but ultimately they learn about friendship and gratitude.

What does Thanksgiving teach?

Thanksgiving teaches valuable lessons. Firstly, we should be thankful for what we have and cherish time spent with loved ones. Secondly, it encourages reflection on our blessings and helping others. Thirdly, it highlights the power of community and the strength of unity.

Fiction

Let’s switch gears and review some non-fiction titles relevant to Thanksgiving.

6. Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick

Philbrick’s Mayflower is an in-depth look at the Pilgrims’ journey to America. It focuses on their courage, hardships, and the complex history of Thanksgiving. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a richer understanding of the holiday’s origins.

7. The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan

Moving on, The Gratitude Diaries recounts Janice Kaplan’s year-long experiment practicing gratitude daily. Her journey demonstrates how a simple act can improve happiness and life satisfaction. Give this book a read if you struggle with contentment.

8. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This interesting read blends science, folk wisdom, and personal reflections. Kimmerer’s focus on gratitude for nature is another overlooked theme on Thanksgiving, namely thankfulness for the Earth and its resources.

9. The Thanksgiving Book: A Companion to the Holiday by Jerome Agel and Jason Shulman

This book provides the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. It’s a great resource for learning about Thanksgiving history, mythology, and customs.

10. The Joy of Eating: A Guide to Celebrating Food and Gratitude by Nigella Lawson

Lawson’s book celebrates the role of food in gratitude and bringing people together. It also explores how shared meals deepen connections and create lasting memories.

This brings us to the next category of Thanksgiving books:

Cookbooks

What’s Thanksgiving without cooking? Here are some of the best season-themed cookbooks you can add to your collection

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11. Thanksgiving 101 by Rick Rodgers

First off, Rodgers’ popular cookbook covers everything from turkey to side dishes. It is a good resource for step-by-step instructions for creating the perfect Thanksgiving meal, whether you’re a novice or an aficionado.

12. The Thanksgiving Table: Recipes and Ideas to Create Your Own Holiday Tradition by Diane Morgan

In this book, author Diane Morgan’s creative ideas and recipes will help you craft a unique and memorable Thanksgiving celebration. It’s perfect for those who want to create new traditions around the holiday.

13. The New Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan

Want to spice things up? Morgan’s “sequel” cookbook brings fresh ideas to the Thanksgiving table. She does so by incorporating dishes inspired by several cultural traditions. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add variety and new flavors to their holiday feast.

14. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond

Preparing your first holiday meal? Drummond’s approachable recipes make the process fun and easy. From appetizers to desserts, this book covers every aspect of a holiday feast with a laid-back style that’s perfect for beginners.

15. Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well by Sam Sifton

Sifton’s book delivers the title’s promise. His expert guidance on preparing a Thanksgiving feast also involves time-saving tips and solutions to common kitchen challenges.

16. America’s Test Kitchen: Thanksgiving by America’s Test Kitchen

This cookbook offers reliable, tested recipes for every course of the Thanksgiving meal, plus how to prepare it without making the kitchen look like a crime scene.

Children’s Books

Some of the best Thanksgiving books are aimed at children. Here are some excellent examples

17. Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules

A delightful story about a young girl who looks forward to Thanksgiving, only to find that her family’s dinner plans are a bit different than expected. It’s a fun and thoughtful way to introduce children to the holiday and its traditions.

18. How to Catch a Turkey by Adam Wallace

This engaging and humorous book follows kids as they try to catch a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. The lively illustrations and playful narrative make it a perfect read for younger readers.

19. Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks by Margaret Sutherland

This simple yet heartfelt story teaches children about the importance of gratitude. It’s a wonderful way to introduce young readers to giving thanks during the holiday season and beyond.

20. Turk and Runt: A Thanksgiving Comedy by Lisa Wheeler

In this humorous story, a turkey named Turk (duh) saves itself from becoming the Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece. It’s a fun tale that subtly teaches children to think outside the box.

21. Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

This beautifully illustrated tale of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade teaches kids about the invention of the parade’s famous balloons and the creativity behind the celebration.

Poetry and Essays

Finally, here are some poetic Thanksgiving books that capture the holiday's essence in rhyme.

22. A Harvest of Thanksgiving by Edgar A. Guest

The blessings and delights of Thanksgiving are honored in this anthology. It's the ideal book for thinking back on the season of appreciation because of the heartfelt verses written by Guest.

23. Thanksgiving Poems by Myra Cohn Livingston

Livingston's anthology includes a variety of poetry that express the spirit of Thanksgiving. It's a lovely opportunity to ponder on the topics of gratitude and appreciation.

24. Gratitude by Oliver Sacks

In this collection of reflections, Sacks discusses his life and the value of thankfulness. His article provides a nuanced look at the simple act of offering thanks.

25. In November by Cynthia Rylant

Rylant's book is brilliantly illustrated and captures the essence of November. It reflects on the beauty and tranquility of the month preceding Thanksgiving.

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Happy Thanksgiving from Crossroad Publisher

What is the story of Thanksgiving (short)?

The story of Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when English Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast in Plymouth to share a feast. The Pilgrims had arrived in America seeking a new life.

After a difficult winter, they celebrated a successful harvest with the Wampanoag people, who helped them survive. This shared meal is often considered the first Thanksgiving, though historians doubt the straightforward nature of this narrative.

Check out our list of nonfiction Thanksgiving books above to learn more about the story of this holiday.

That’s about it!

Sell More Books this Thanksgiving

Are you an author looking to sell more books? Well, this is the perfect time to prepare for holiday promotions, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner

At Crossroad Publisher, we specialize in helping authors market their books to the right audience. Contact us today to learn more.

Happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving!

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