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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.
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.
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.
Let’s begin with novels and short stories.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let’s switch gears and review some non-fiction titles relevant to Thanksgiving.
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.
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.
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.
This book provides the history and traditions of Thanksgiving. It’s a great resource for learning about Thanksgiving history, mythology, and customs.
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:
What’s Thanksgiving without cooking? Here are some of the best season-themed cookbooks you can add to your collection
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some of the best Thanksgiving books are aimed at children. Here are some excellent examples
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Finally, here are some poetic Thanksgiving books that capture the holiday's essence in rhyme.
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.
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.
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.
Rylant's book is brilliantly illustrated and captures the essence of November. It reflects on the beauty and tranquility of the month preceding Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving from Crossroad Publisher
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!
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Happy reading and Happy Thanksgiving!
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