The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh

Title: The Thanksgiving Story

Genre: Historical Fiction

Author: Alice Dalgiesh

Illustrator: Helen Sewell

Major awards: Caldecott Honor Book

Age group: PreK-3

Summary: 

This book describes the story of Thanksgiving, and how it came to be. The book is told based on the experiences of the Hopkins family. They are passengers aboard the Mayflower! Through the family's encounters readers get an idea on how life was on the Mayflower. Their ride to Plymouth is quite the journey. Once they arrive, they have new obstacles. In the end, the Native-Americans and Pilgrims celebrate the very first Thanksgiving.

Why would I use this book in the classroom: 

As a future educator, I'd use this book in my classroom to teach students about the journey to the New World, through the eyes of the colonizers. This book is full of beautiful pictures, and the colors used remind me of Thanksgiving. Students will be able to follow along while enjoying the adventure and festiveness.

Appropriate grade level:

I think an appropriate grade level for this book is PreK-3rd. The book has illustrations that children will enjoy, while they are being read too. It's a great book to share with students to teach them about this holiday.

Ideas for unit of study to include the book in and how you might use the book in the classroom:

• Language Arts/Art: I would use this book to have students complete an activity on what it means to be thankful. They will write about something they are thankful for.