While younger children will still enjoy cuddling up with you for a read aloud, older kids would love nothing more than reading about someone their own age in a humorous holiday adventure. But either way, these books will make them want to share the spirit.
Books to Read Together
Franklin's Thanksgiving, by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark
Franklin loves everything about Thanksgiving—from making cornucopias and eating delicious pumpkin-fly pie, to having his grandparents there to spend the day, it’s one of his favorite holidays. But this year his grandparents are traveling, so Franklin decides to invite friends over for the meal to make up for the lack of guests. Too bad Franklin’s parents decide to do the same thing with their friends! When everyone shows up on Thanksgiving Day and there’s no room in the house, where will they celebrate?
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
The Thanksgiving Dinner Platter, by Randa Handler
In 1941, Thanksgiving had just been declared a national holiday and Takari is excited to celebrate with her family. But while preparing for the big meal, she accidentally breaks an important Japanese heirloom—a serving platter that belonged to her grandmother. Angry, her mother sends Takari to visit Little Sparrow, her best friend who is preparing for Thanksgiving the same way his Native American ancestors had. Takari learns about the history of Thanksgiving, as well as the many traditions of giving thanks from cultures around the globe.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
Pick a Circle, Gather Squares, by Felicia Sanzari Chernesky
A concept book that follows a family on their pumpkin picking adventures, Pick a Circle, Gather Squares opens young readers minds to not only the beautiful colors of fall, but the seasonal shapes as well.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
Books for Older Readers
The Boxcar Children: The Great Turkey Heist, by Gertrude C. Warner
Helping others is a big part of the Aldens Thanksgiving traditions—this year, a new restaurant is opening up and they are eager to collect donations, open a food pantry, and offer a free Thanksgiving dinner for the town. But someone keeps moving signs and stealing food—will the Boxcar Children get to the bottom of it before Thanksgiving Day?
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
The Thanksgiving Treasure, by Gail Rock
Eleven-year-old Addie and her best friend Carla Mae are taught in school that Thanksgiving is a time for friendship and bonding. So, despite the fact that Addie’s father and their neighbor, Old Man Rehnquist, are old archenemies, she decides to invite him for Thanksgiving dinner. Can the real meaning of Thanksgiving win out to end their longstanding feud?
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
Cross-Ties, by Bonnie Bryant
Lisa Atwood is having a hard time enjoying Thanksgiving this year—she keeps thinking about her complicated relationship with her boyfriend and the loss of her horse, Prancer. When her brother arrives with big news, the family is thrown into turmoil and Lisa begins to question if she even has anything to be grateful for this year.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
Turkey Monster Thanksgiving, by Anne Warren Smith
Katie is used to a simple Thanksgiving—just her, her brother, and her dad lounging around. When she realizes her friend Claire invited forty people for a picture perfect Thanksgiving, Katie starts to think maybe she should kick her family’s Thanksgiving dinner up a notch. But when her plans start to turn sour, she realizes that her quiet Thanksgiving traditions are just as valid as Claire’s grand party.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
From the Files of Madison Finn: Thanks for Nothing, by Laura Dower
Madison is facing her first Thanksgiving since her parents divorce and, needless to say, she isn’t looking forward to it. The situation gets even worse when her family from Chicago cancels their trip out—is there anything to be thankful for this year? Determined to get into the holiday spirit, Madison volunteers at a local animal shelter and finds much more than she thought to be grateful about.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
The Cheetah Girls: Growl Power!, by Deborah Gregory
Aquanette and Angie Walker are headed back down South fro Thanksgiving to wow everyone with their stories of life in the Big Apple. But despite the excitement of the holidays, the twins have something bigger on their minds—landing a record deal! While back in Texas, the girls run into Karma’s Children, Texas superstars who have making them jealous for as long as they can remember. They’ll have to put aside their jealously if they want to make it on stage in time for Thanksgiving.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes.
