8 Nonfiction Thanksgiving Books for Kids

Thanksgiving is a special time of year. It is a time of remembrance and tradition. It is a time to be thankful for all of your gifts. Teach young children the meaning behind the holiday with these nonfiction Thanksgiving books for kids.

1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O'Neill Grace

This book has beautiful photographs of people dressed up like Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. These photographs were taken during a special reenactment of the celebration, held by the Plymouth Plantation and Wampanoag community. This book separates fact from fiction, including the fact that the real feast lasted for three whole days. It is geared toward children in middle to upper elementary, but the pictures can be used with younger children as discussion pieces.

This book is available from National Geographic Society, ISBN 9780792270270.

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Craighead George

This book goes beyond just the first Thanksgiving feast, to include events leading up to the actual feast. These events stretch way back to the glaciers carving out Cape Cod. It's a great historical story for kids, and the pictures are stunning.

This book is available from Penguin Group, ISBN9780698113923.

If You Were At....The First Thanksgiving by Anne Kamma

This nonfiction look at the first Thanksgiving focuses on the child's point-of-view. Learn about what Pilgrim life was like for the children, and how they conducted themselves during the famous meal. It's good for kindergarten and beyond.

This book is available from Scholastic, ISBN 9780439105668.

P is for Pilgrim by Carol Crane

Take an alphabetical journey back in time by reading this book in class. Each letter of the alphabet stands for something significant to the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving. Each letter's appointed word serves as a mini history lesson. Use it in the language area as well as in your social studies area.

This book is available from Sleeping Bear Press, ISBN 9781585361342.

Rookie Read-About Holidays: Thanksgiving by Trudi Strain Trueit

I am a huge fan of the Rookie Read-About series of books for kids. These nonfiction titles include real photographs and concise factual information. Children as young as three enjoy looking at the pictures, and older children glean a lot of information from reading the book. This book by Trudi Strain Trueit provides a foundation for further lessons about Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims. Try to create costumes that resemble the ones in the pictures. Discuss favorite foods from the feast and sample some in class. Compare the first celebration to current celebrations.

This book is available from Scholastic Library Publishing, ISBN 9780531118412.

Thanksgiving by Sheri Dean

This title is a part of the Weekly Reader series. This series strives to bring factual information in an entertaining format to young children. This particular book compares the First Thanksgiving to current celebrations. It is geared toward kindergarten through early elementary ages.

This book is available from Gareth Stevens Publishing, ISBN 9780836865097.

Thanksgiving by Robin Nelson

This is another book that talks about Thanksgiving and uses real photographs to illustrate it. It is a part of the First Step Nonfiction - American Holidays series. Simple phrases teach associated holiday vocabulary. This book is geared more toward elementary-aged children.

It is available from Lerner Publishing Group, ISBN 9780761349013.

Thanksgiving Is... by Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons is one of the greatest nonfiction writers for kids out there. Her book for the Thanksgiving holiday is simple and informative. Even children in preschool can learn something from this book. She covers the First Thanksgiving, as well as current holiday traditions. There is also a brief nod to the holiday celebrated in Canada.

This book is available from Holiday House, Inc., ISBN 9780823419791

Numerous other titles are available as nonfiction Thanksgiving books for kids. Use these to start your collection and to enhance your study.