• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

What Do We Do All Day logo

  • Books
    • Classics
      • 20th Century Classics
    • Early Chapter Books
    • Easy Readers
    • Folktales
    • Holiday Books
    • Middle Grade (8-12 years)
    • Nonfiction
    • Picture Books
  • Games
    • Traditional Games
  • Kids Activities
    • Arts and Crafts
    • Literacy & Writing
    • Math
    • Playful Activities
    • Science
    • Toddler
  • Parenting
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Books
  • Games
  • Activities
  • Parenting
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Books / Multicultural Thanksgiving Books for Kids

     

    Multicultural Thanksgiving Books for Kids

    1141 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday to showcase picture books that celebrate America's diverse population.

    A primary feature of many of the children's Thanksgiving books on this list is that they demonstrate how immigrants have contributed to modern day traditions like Thanksgiving parades and the celebratory foods we eat. Most importantly, these multicultural picture books for kids demonstrate how Thanksgiving is not all about Pilgrims and football!

    Diverse Thanksgiving picture books for kids and families.

    MORE:

    • Thanksgiving chapter books list, for independent readers or as read alouds
    • Thanksgiving audiobooks, festive novels the whole family will enjoy!
    • Thanksgiving poems for families

    (Note: These titles were personally chosen by me because my family loves them. This post contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links that may earn commission. Bookshop also supports independent book stores.)

    I am of the belief that we can share with our children the relevance of modern-day Thanksgiving traditions without perpetuating the highly flawed "happy myth" about its origins. Children are smart cookies and we honor them by making sure we discuss hard truths about the relationship between the "founding" of this country and the land's indigenous populations.

    KEEPUNUMUK: WEEÂCHUMUN'S THANKSGIVING STORY by Danielle Greendeer (Mashpee Wampanoag), Anthony Perry (Chickasaw), and Alexis Bunten (Yu'pik and Unangan), illustrated by Garry Meeches (Anishinaabe)

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    If you read only one Thanksgiving book this year, let it be this one. A grandmother tells her two Wampanoag ("People of the First Light") grandchildren the story of Thanksgiving. Weeâchumun (the Wampanoag word for "corn," here represented as a translucent woman) is worried because she is afraid that she will not last another year. Despite a caution to be wary of the new comers, Weeâchumun asks the Wampanoag people to help the Pilgrims survive the winter by helping them plant the three sisters of corn, beans and squash. This is an important retelling of the Thanksgiving story that places the Wampanoag, and not the Pilgrims at the center of the narrative. The text includes notes, glossary, and a pronunciation guide. The book's official website has further resources. Ages 3 and up.

    IF YOU LIVED DURING THE PLIMOUTH THANKSGIVING by Chris Newell (Passamaquoddy), illustrated by Winona Nelson (Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Chippewa)

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    This book is so interesting and gives a more inclusive context for the encounters of English colonists and the Wampanoag, and the origins of the first Thanksgiving. The book looks a wide range of details surrounding the famed celebration, including how the Pilgrims made it to Plimoth, who was already living on the land, what everyone wore, how the Pilgrims and Wampanoag communicated and much, much more. The book may be aimed at children, but adults will also be well served by reading it. Chris Newell is a member of the Passamaquoddy Nation; Winona Nelson, is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Minnesota Chippewa. Ages 6-106.


    MORE: Native American Picture books by Native authors


    DUCK FOR TURKEY DAY by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Kathryn Mitter

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Tuyet is distressed that her Vietnamese family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner! In school she learned that turkey is the traditional main course, but her mom and grandma insist that duck is tastier. Tuyet worries about what her friends and teacher will think! When she returns to school she discovers that her classmates all had different foods for dinner and it's not the feast but the company that makes the holiday special. I love the sweet moment when Tuyet puts her handmade pinecone craft on the table to ensure there is a turkey on the table!

    BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY: THE TRUE STORY OF THE PUPPETEER OF MACY'S PARADE by Melissa Sweet

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    The signature spectacle of the Macy's Parade was actually spearheaded by British immigrant, Tony Sarg. Sweet's marvelous cut paper and mixed media collages illustrate the story of Sarg's life as a puppeteer, from his boyhood inspirations to his invention of the "upside-down marionettes" we've come to know and love as the iconic gigantic helium balloons in the Macy's Parade.

    HOW MANY DAYS TO AMERICA? A THANKSGIVING STORY by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Beth Peck

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    A family flees a Caribbean island because of political prosecution. The journey in a small boat is hard and dangerous and when they reach America it is Thanksgiving day. It's a great book to spark discussions about diversity in America, why people flee their homes, and the freedom and security they hope to find.

    GRACIAS, THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Joe Cepeda

    Find it: Your Library | Amazon

    Just before Thanksgiving, Miguel's father, who is driving a truck across the country, sends the family a mysterious box with holes in it. Inside is a turkey! Miguel names his new "pet" Gracias, walks him around his urban neighborhood on a leash and worries about his intended fate, even as Gracias follows him to mass. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the text and I love how Miguel's Puerto Rican family provides a wonderful example of familial support and love.

    SQUANTO'S JOURNEY: THE STORY OF THE FIRST THANKSGIVING by Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki), illustrated by Greg Shed

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Bruchac narrates the events of the first Thanksgiving story from Squanto's point of view. Squanto is kidnapped and taken as a slave to Spain; he eventually escapes with the help of Spanish Friars, and makes his way home. Back home he intercedes between his people and the English, demonstrating an optimistic faith that the two groups can live as friends. Ages 7 and up.

    NOTE: Please also read and consider this review to decide if you want to share Squanto's Journey with your kids.

    RIVKA'S FIRST THANKSGIVING by Elsa Okon Rael, illustrated by Maryann Kovalski

    Find it: Your Library | Amazon

    Rivka, the daughter of Polish Jewish immigrants, comes home from school, excited to tell her family about the holiday of Thanksgiving.  Her mother tells her, "It sounds to me as though this is a party for Gentiles." Rivka insists that Thanksgiving is for everyone and takes her case to the Rabbi who initially agrees with her mother. Rivka starts a campaign to change the Rabbi's mind. She writes a letter and presents her case before a gathering of Rabbis, drawing insightful parallels between her Jewish family's experience and the experience of the Pilgrims.

    THE THANKSGIVING DOOR by Debby Atwell

    Find it: Your Library | Amazon

    Ed and Ann have burned their dinner! They head out to a restaurant, sighing, "It won't be the same." When they get there they don't realize it's closed for a private party but the grandmother in the kitchen decides the family will welcome the interlopers because in the "old country" they do not turn away hungry people. Ed and Ann celebrate with the large, extended family, including lively dancing and at the end of the evening declare the best thing that happened was burning the dinner.

    'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING by Dav Pilkey

    Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

    Ok, so this Thanksgiving book is not exactly like the others on this list! It is an extremely silly and highly satisfying story about a diverse group of school children on a field trip to discover where their Thanksgiving turkey really comes from. When they find out, they smuggle the turkeys home and hilarity (and a vegetarian dinner) ensues.

    MILLY AND THE MACY'S PARADE by Shana Corey, illustrated by Brett Helquist

    Find it: Your Library

    This is a fictional story based on a factual events surrounding the very first Macy's Parade. Milly is a Polish immigrant whose father works for Mr. Macy. Macy's employs legions of immigrants and when they all begin to get homesick and nostalgic for their homelands' holiday traditions, Millie convinces "the most important man in America" (aka Mr. Macy) to throw a giant party. And the parade is born. I love to think of the Macy's Parade as a party with roots based in celebrating the diversity of the people employed at the store -- not just as a way to advertise a retail giant.

    More books for your Thanksgiving holiday reading:

    • Autumn Read Aloud Chapter Books the Whole Family Will Love
    • Picture books that teach gratitude
    • Picture Books about Peace
    « Cute Thanksgiving Place Cards for Kids to Help Decorate
    Best Middle Grade Books of 2021 »
    1141 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Phyllis at All Things Beautiful says

      November 04, 2013 at 7:59 am

      This is a great post. I love many of the books already, but there are a few I need to check out. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Erica @What Do We Do All Day? says

        November 04, 2013 at 8:41 am

        Thanks so much Phyllis! I hope you enjoy sharing them with your kids.

        Reply
    2. Stephanie @InCultureParent says

      November 04, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      This is a great list! I regularly review multicultural books for kids and am really excited to discover a bunch of new titles! Plus I love that some of these books reflect our own multicultural Thanksgiving celebration that we have each year at our house with friends from all over the world.

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 06, 2013 at 11:47 am

        Thank you Stephanie! I love your book lists, too.

        Reply
    3. PramgaticMom says

      November 05, 2013 at 7:17 am

      What a great list! They are all new to me!

      Reply
    4. Heidi Gill @ 2kuriouskids says

      November 05, 2013 at 1:14 pm

      Great list of books!

      Reply
    5. teachingyoungchildren says

      November 05, 2013 at 5:34 pm

      It's a wonderful list! We read several entries on it - I should bring Molly's Pilgrim back!

      Reply
    6. Katie says

      November 12, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      What an absolutely stellar selection! I'm currently working on a post about multicultural Christmas books, and I had no idea that there were so many excellent Thanksgiving titles as well. I'm definitely going to remember this for future Thanksgivings! Tweeted and pinned.

      Reply
    7. Chelsey @ Buggy and Buddy says

      November 13, 2013 at 4:36 pm

      What a great list of books to help kids really learn all aspects of Thanksgiving! Thank you so much for linking up to Discover & Explore!

      Reply
    8. Julie@Momspective says

      November 14, 2013 at 5:53 pm

      I'm sending this link to my sons teacher! Great ideas!

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 15, 2013 at 11:00 am

        Thanks, Julie. I hope the class gets a chance to read the books.

        Reply
    9. Anna says

      November 16, 2013 at 6:14 am

      Another fabulous book list!! Most of these are brand new to me- I look forward to checking them out!

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 16, 2013 at 7:39 am

        Thanks, Anna.

        Reply
    10. Stephanie Whittle says

      November 17, 2013 at 7:55 pm

      Love this and am featuring it on the after school linky this week!

      Reply
    11. Kim Vij (@EducatorsSpin) says

      November 18, 2013 at 2:58 pm

      You’ve been featured on our After School Thanksgiving Roundup of Activities for School Aged Kids this week. This Thanksgiving Book List looks like so much fun for the kids to read and share with the family. Just want to tell you that we are so thankful for you and your blog! Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 18, 2013 at 3:05 pm

        Thanks so much, Kim. It's great to be part of After School.

        Reply
    12. kbpage18 says

      November 19, 2013 at 10:22 pm

      Thanksgiving at Obaachans is a fantastic read. I'm surprised it didn't make the list.
      http://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Obaachans-Janet-Mitsui-Brown/dp/1879965070

      Reply
      • Erica MomandKiddo says

        November 20, 2013 at 6:29 am

        Thanks for mentioning this book. My library didn't have a copy and I only like to recommend books I've been able to read. It looks great, though.

        Reply
    13. Carol Simon Levin says

      November 06, 2019 at 8:22 am

      Love this post -- Thanks for reprising! I've been doing Multi-cultural Thanksgiving programming for years both at the public library where I worked and at a local school. If anyone wants additional programming ideas using these books (and others) plus songs, flannelboards, and crafts, you are welcome to visit my website: http://carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanksgiving

      Reply
    14. Jane Pusch says

      November 09, 2019 at 9:31 am

      Would you be interested in featuring a picturebook about a girl scientist/engineer? "The Why-entist and the Wild Weather" just released.

      Reply
    15. Sharlene Habermeyer says

      November 11, 2019 at 8:46 pm

      Excellent list! I'm finally getting around to looking for Thanksgiving books for my family --busy year. This will be perfect to take to the library & bookstore--thank you! I'm always so impressed by your lists--I go to the library all the time, but never seem to see all the fabulous books you suggest!

      Reply
      • Erica says

        November 15, 2019 at 4:15 pm

        Thanks for the kind words.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Erica! I believe parents can stay sane without giving their kids an electronic device. Learn how!

    More about me →

    Newsletter

    Join over 19,000 subscribers who said "Yes! I want to unplug my kids!" We'll send you 10 waiting games your kids can play anytime, anywhere. Join here -->

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About the Site
    • No AI

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and join over 19,000 other families finding ways reduce screen time.

    Other Stuff

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

    Copyright © 2023 What Creative Media LLC

    Want More Free Activity Ideas?
    Join our email list and as a thank you gift I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games that will make your kids smarter.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    Want your kids to love being unplugged?
    Join our newsletter and as a thank you, I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.