Children's Book Recommendations

"Pedro's and JoJo's families are on their way to Katie's house for Thanksgiving dinner. But they get stuck in a snowstorm, and the Woos' oven suddenly breaks. Katie wonders what kind of Thanksgiving it will be without sweet potatoes, pie, and most of all, friends."

Gobble Gobble! Celebrate Thanksgiving with Junie B. Jones!

Meet the World's Funniest First Grader—Junie B. Jones!

It's Thanksgiving time and Room One is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast! There's even a contest to see which room can write the best thankful list. The winners will get a pumpkin pie! Only it turns out being thankful is harder than it looks. Because Junie B. is not actually thankful for Tattletale May. Or squash. Or scratchy pilgrim costumes. And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway. (But Junie B. is thankful for yummy cranberry sauce that's shaped like a can. And biscuits that explode from their can. And nipsy doodles!) Will Room One win the disgusting pie? Can May and Junie B. find common ground? Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a Turkey Day Disaster? Includes an EXCLUSIVE Junie B. Jones Turkey Day photo frame!

With over 50 million books in print, the New York Times bestselling Junie B. Jones is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for over 20 years!

USA TODAY:
"Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set."

Publisher's Weekly:
"Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun."

Kirkus Reviews:
"Junie's swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world….A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud."

Time Magazine:
"Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty."

Join Pete in New York Times bestselling artist James Dean's Pete the Cat picture book series as Pete celebrates Thanksgiving in this groovy lift-the-flap book!

Starring in the school Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous. But when Pete the Cat gets onstage, he makes learning the story of the first Thanksgiving fun. With thirteen flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, this book is sure to be a holiday favorite for every Pete the Cat fan.

A dog's-eye view of the Mayflower voyage and the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Colony!

English springer spaniel Dash and his furry friend Mercy—a mastiff—travel with their master, John Goodman, in search of the New World. Taken from the pages of history, this Dog Diary follows the story of the colonists whom we now call Pilgrims, from their sixty-six-day voyage at sea to the celebration of their first harvest with the Wampanoag Indians who become their friends and advisors. With realistic black-and-white illustrations by Tim Jessell and an appendix including information about the Mayflower, Plymouth Colony, springer spaniels, and the primary sources on which the book is based, this is historical fiction that dog-loving middle graders—and educators—can be truly thankful for!

It's a mystery every month from popular A to Z Mysteries author Ron Roy! With the younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries kids!

November is for Night...

It's November, and there's a new mystery to solve. 'The twins' new neighbors are up to something! It's Thanksgiving, and a mysterious couple has moved in next door. Bradley, Brian, Nate, and Lucy must work out the clues: The neighbors have built a tall wooden fence. They've bought some strange parts for making . . . something. They've even put up a suspicious tent in their backyard, with a big, scary dog to guard it. What could they possibly be hiding?

Celebrate food and family with this heartwarming Thanksgiving picture book. We will share the risen bread. / Our made-with-love Thanksgiving spread. / Grateful to be warm and fed. / We will share the bread. In this spirited ode to the holiday, set at the turn of the twentieth century, a large family works together to make their special meal. Mama prepares the turkey, Daddy tends the fire, Sister kneads, and Brother bastes. Everyone--from Grandma and Grandpa to the littlest baby--has a special job to do. Told in spare, rhythmic verse and lively illustrations, Sharing the Bread is a perfect read-aloud to celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition.

"A warm and wonderful holiday treasure." --Publishers Weekly, Starred

"A paean to the pleasures of Thanksgiving, with rhymes so musical readers may just burst into song." --The Wall Street Journal

"A delightful holiday book that shows the heartwarming tradition of food and family." --Booklist

It's almost Thanksgiving, and Tuyet is excited about the holiday and the vacation from school. There's just one problem: her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner - not turkey! Nobody has duck for Thanksgiving - what will her teacher and the other kids think? To her surprise, Tuyet enjoys her yummy thanksgiving dinner anyhow - and an even bigger surprise is waiting for her at school on Monday. Dinners from roast beef to lamb to enchiladas adorned the Thanksgiving tables of her classmates, but they all had something in common - family! Kids from families with different traditions will enjoy this warm story about "the right way" to celebrate an American holiday.

A latest entry in the series that introduces key historical events describes how the Pilgrims at Plymouth shared a three-day feast with their Native American neighbors after their first harvest in 1621, establishing a tradition that would become a national holiday. By the author of What Was the Gold Rush? Simultaneous.

It's Thanksgiving Day, and there's a lot to be done before turkey time! I Am Thankful follows a young boy through his busy holiday adventures, from running in the turkey trot to helping his family bake pies. Even though the weather might ruin the annual family football game, the jam-packed day proves there's never a shortage of things to be thankful for. In this first installment of the Positive Power series, kids will learn the affirmation “I am thankful” through a delightful story of food, family, and fun.

About the Positive Power Series:

Short on words and long on empowerment, the Positive Power early reader series teaches kids and parents alike the power of positive affirmations and how to incorporate them into their daily lives.

Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it's almost Thanksgiving . . . and you're the main
course. But Turkey has an idea--what if he doesn't look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?
After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!


Wendi Silvano's comical story is perfectly matched by Lee Harper's watercolors.

Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these "upside-down puppets"? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade. Winner of the 2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal and the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award.

A New York Times Bestseller!

From the bestselling How to Catch series comes a festive turkey tale!

A turkey is running loose in a school right before a Thanksgiving play. Can YOU help catch it? Follow along as students turn their school upside down trying to catch the turkey, ending with a twist that ensures no turkeys are harmed (or eaten!).

Thanksgiving time is here again,
but there's a turkey on the run!
Can you catch this tricky bird
before the school play has begun?

A young boy explains the rules for getting the most out of the Thanksgiving holiday from the early bird gets the turkey to life is sweeter when you eat sweets. But even after eating his way through the buffet table, he leaves readers with the true recipe for a perfect Thanksgivinga large helping of gratitude and thankfulness.

New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Nick Bruel's naughty feline is back in the holiday adventure Bad Kitty Does Not Like Thanksgiving...

Some of the best things in life—food, friends, and family—all come together to make Thanksgiving a holiday worth being thankful for. The history of this autumn holiday stretches back to the 17th century, but the traditions American celebrate today date to the 19th and 20th centuries. This accessible book explains the holiday in engaging text and uses colorful photographs to demonstrate the many different ways people traditionally celebrate it.

In this exuberant Thanksgiving story, a little girl goes on a last-minute errand for her mother. Along the way, she thanks all the familiar things she loves?her warm boots, the song of the birds, the pretty clouds in the November sky. And when she gets home from her errand, her family thanks her for what she has brought.
David Milgrim's spare, repetitive text and colorful, contemporary illustrations are perfect for beginning readers, and leave no doubt about how much there is in the world to be thankful for!

The Robin Hill School first graders learn about being thankful in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read!

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and Mrs. Connor asks the class to think about what they are thankful for. Reza and his mama make a list together. He can’t wait to talk to his class about his family, his dog, his bike, and so much more! But then at school, everyone takes turns saying what they’re thankful for, and the other kids say the same things Reza wanted to say! Can Reza think of something else he’s thankful for before it’s his turn to speak?

"Pilkey takes that holiday staple and recasts it as a Thanksgiving tale about a bus load of school children who feel sorry for a friendly batch of turkeys and save them from the farmer's ax . . . The robust, cartoon-style art has van Goghesque sky vistas popping up from time to time and a manic energy that spills off the page".--Booklist. Full-color illustrations.

On your mark, get set, Gobblers-a-Go-Go! Judy swears she'll win the race for a Thanksgiving turkey (though Stink has his doubts) in this full-color Moody adventure.

The town's annual Turkey Trot race and festival is coming up, and Judy and Stink are training to win. Judy has decided that she is going to take home the big prize: a fat, juicy turkey. They can taste it already: the moist turkey, the hot gravy, the savory stuffing, the cranberry sauce! Beep! Beep! Beep! That's the sound of Stink's Rapidfire Ultra XE611M25 stopwatch going off as Judy and Stink hop, crawl, and climb toward race day. But what if they don't win a mouthwatering bird? What then? Flying turkey gizzards! Will the Moody family end up starving on T-day, like ye pilgrims of olde, or will Grandma Lou cook up a tasty Franksgiving solution?

Children have binged on this riotous takeoff on the popular ?I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly? for the last decade. This delicious romp by the author of The Ballad of Valentine and the illustrator who created Skippyjon Jones would make a unique and unforgettable hostess gift.
 

Snoopy enjoys a feast in this special Level 2 Ready-to-Read that’s perfect for every Peanuts fan!

Snoopy is feeling thankful, so he writes a thank you note to his favorite thing: his food bowl! Snoopy loves supper time, and while he is busy remembering his best meals, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang are cooking up a surprise in this charming Level 2 Ready-to-Read!

This paperback edition comes with two pages of stickers!

© 2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

FICTION. In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket people, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive in the rugged land they called Plymouth. He showed them how to plant corn, beans, and squash, and how to hunt and fish. And when a good harvest was gathered in the fall, the two peoples feasted together in the spirit of peace and brotherhood. Almost four hundred years later, the tradition continues.

Light the candles! Ring the bells! Dance and sing! Cultural and religious holidays are very important to children, marking festive occasions both at home and at school. This bright nonfiction picture book serves as the perfect introduction for the very young to celebrations around the world. Many of the holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween are familiar to American children. Others, such as St. Lucia's Day and Diwali, may be new to them. Each of the twenty-four holidays is illustrated with cut-paper pictures full to bursting with brilliant colors and bold shapes. Along with simple descriptions, they convey the mood, symbols, and incredible diversity of the festivities. Detailed notes at the end of the book tell more about each holiday.

¿Cuál es la celebración más importante en la India? ¡El Diwali! A esta celebración también se le conoce como el festival de luces. Aprende sobre lo que hace la gente para festejar esta festividad especial. Fotografias llenas de color ilustran la belleza del evento. El texto cuidadosamente organizado en niveles provee información clave. Las preguntas de pensamiento crítico a nivel apropiado ayudan a los lectores a profundizar en la información y entender lo que hace única a esta celebración.

What's the most important holiday in India? It's Diwali! This celebration is also known as the festival of lights. Learn what people do to celebrate this special holiday. Full-color photographs illustrate the beauty of the event, and carefully leveled text provides key facts. Age-appropriate critical thinking questions help readers delve more deeply into the information and understand what makes this holiday unique.

Beautiful, dynamic photographs and brief, lively text introduce readers to the joyous holiday of Diwali, evoking the celebrations of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains around the world.

In Deborah Heiligman's inviting global odyssey of the Hindu holiday we learn that Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and of light over darkness. Although celebrated differently in different places, Diwali is universally viewed as a time of great joy, celebrated with fireworks, sweets, and gifts.

Celebrate Diwali brings to life the holiday's traditions, food, and celebration rituals. The informative back matter includes Diwali recipes, a glossary, a Diwali card game, a map, and a resource list of boceloks and Web sites. Also included is a note to parents and teachers from the book's consultant, Dr. Vasudha Narayanan.

Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor and strings of flowers hang around the doors. Now it's time to ring the bells, light the lamps, and welcome the new year with family and friends. A sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.

A moving and inspiring nonfiction picture book about Jackie Robinson’s court martial trial—an important lesser-known moment in his lifetime of fighting prejudice with strength and grace. Students who have been introduced to this American hero from such books as Brad Meltzer's I Am Jackie Robinson can take a deeper look at a key event in his life with The United States v. Jackie Robinson.

Jackie Robinson broke boundaries as the first African American player in Major League Baseball. But long before Jackie changed the world in a Dodger uniform, he did it in an army uniform.

As a soldier during World War II, Jackie experienced segregation every day—separate places for black soldiers to sit, to eat, and to live. When the army outlawed segregation on military posts and buses, things were supposed to change.

So when Jackie was ordered by a white bus driver to move to the back of a military bus, he refused. Instead of defending Jackie’s rights, the military police took him to trial. But Jackie would stand up for what was right, even when it was difficult to do.

This nonfiction picture book is a strong choice for sharing at home or in the classroom—as Booklist noted: "A story that will appeal to both baseball fans and those looking for an interesting way to highlight lesser-known aspects of the fight for civil rights.”

With an author's note, a timeline, bibliography, and more, this book offers helpful resources for readers, teachers, and librarians to find out more about Jackie Robinson and the history of civil rights in the US.

This easy-to-read book is perfect for nonfiction reading or read-aloud. Readers will enjoy a hands-on activity and make a thank-you poster for the veterans in their community.

This book discusses Veterans Day, a national holiday on November 11th when the United States honors the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

The war in Afghanistan is the longest war the United States has ever fought. It's a tough war against a loosely organized and unpredictable enemy. How will you defend your country? Will you: Serve on an Army Ranger rescue team during the Battle of Takur Ghar? Protect a supply convoy as a member of the National Guard? Fight as a Marine aiding the Army Special Forces during Operation Moshtarak? Everything in this book happened to real people. And YOU CHOOSE what you do next. The choices you make could lead you to survival or to death.

Get to know Mayor Pete Buttigieg, a first-of-his-kind candidate running for a one-of-a-kind office, in Rob Sanders' inspiring picture book biography, featuring illustrations by Levi Hastings.

When Pete Buttigieg announced he was running for president, he became the first openly gay candidate to run for the Democratic party’s presidential nomination and the first millennial ever to pursue the office. But before the nation knew him as “Mayor Pete,” he was a boy growing up in a Rust Belt town, a kid who dreamed of being an astronaut, and a high schooler who wondered about a life of public service. Without a doubt, no one could have imagined who Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg, the boy who lived in a two-story house on College Street, would become.

Through victories and defeats, and the changes that the seasons bring, the young boy from South Bend grew into a man devoted to helping others. Mayor Pete: The Story of Pete Buttigieg celebrates the life of an American who dared to be the first and who imagined a better world for everyone.

A Who Did It First? Book

An uplifting, relatable story combines sparse text with evocative illustrations that follow a young boy and his dog as they wait for a beloved military parent to return home. By the illustrator of A Pirate's Guide to Recess.

NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Suzanne Collins has created a deeply moving autobiographical picture book about a father who must go off to the war in Vietnam -- and the daughter who stays behind.

When young Suzy's father leaves for Vietnam, she struggles to understand what this means for her and her family. What is the jungle like? Will her father be safe? When will he return? The months slip by, marked by the passing of the familiar holidays and the postcards that her father sends. With each one, he feels more and more distant, until Suzy isn't sure she'd even recognize her father anymore.

This heartfelt and accessible picture book by Suzanne Collins, the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, is accompanied by James Proimos's sweet and funny illustrations. This picture book will speak to any child who has had to spend time away from a parent.

This picture book offers readers a realistic look at war as a young American soldier lies in waiting for the enemy and discovers that the enemy is as young a man as he. Reprint.

"A Marine Expeditionary Unit is a small, quick reaction force used to immediately respond to any crisis. Readers will explore what makes up a unit, what tasks they often perform, and what tools and vehicles they use to accomplish their missions."

When a soldier has to leave his or her family for extended service, it's an emotional time for all involved. It can be especially confusing and upsetting for children, who long for the comfort and security of a parent's presence. Papa's Backpack honors the bond between a parent/soldier and a child, and acknowledges the difficult and emotional process of separation during deployment. A young bear cub dreams of accompanying Papa when he leaves on a mission, wanting to stay close to provide comfort and moral support, ultimately overcoming adversity together.

The moms in this book are superheroes. They may not leap over tall buildings, and they may not have super-human speed. But these moms construct buildings, fly planes, and make tanks roll. They do all kinds of things to help create a safer world. These superheroes are moms. Military moms. Hero moms.

Friendship, loyalty, and kindness stand the test of time in this heartwarming World War II–era picture book based on a true story from the beloved author-illustrator of Pink and Say and The Keeping Quilt.

Tucky Jo was known as the “kid from Kentucky” when he enlisted in the army at age fifteen. Being the youngest recruit in the Pacific during World War II was tough. But he finds a friend in a little girl who helps him soothe his bug bites, and he gets to know her family and gives them some of his rations. Although the little girl doesn’t speak English, Tucky Jo and Little Heart share the language of kindness. Many years later, Tucky Jo and Little Heart meet again, and an act of kindness is returned when it’s needed the most in this touching picture book based on a true story.

Most service people would agree that, despite the risks, it is an honor and a privilege to serve their country. But life in the military isn't always easy--especially for kids whose parents may get called up to fight. This book looks at the challenges that military families face, such as deployment and frequent moves, but also discusses the ways in which military service can make a family stronger. What is a family? What used to seem like a simple question has grown ever more complex. The set explores the different types of family structures that have become increasingly common in the 21st century. The books provide not only objective demographic information but also friendly, accessible advice for kids with nontraditional" families. Each title in this series contains an introduction, color photos throughout, and back matter including: Helpline contact information, an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

A young boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. "A sensitive and moving picture book, and a great discussion book as well." -- School Library Journal, starred review