Thanksgiving Mentor Texts for BIG KIDS! (plus some useful tips for using them!)

There's something so special about reading stories that celebrate gratitude, family, and tradition during this time of year.

In the classroom, my stack of Thanksgiving books has remained *nearly* the same for 10 years. They are classics! The books I'll share today are hits every year, no matter the group. 

In this post, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Thanksgiving mentor texts. These books are perfect for the upper elementary classroom and come with opportunities to reinforce reading and writing skills. Plus, I’ll share some tips for using them with specific ELA standards to help guide your lessons.

Thank You, Sarah By: Laurie Halse Anderson

Literary Skills: Historical Context, Summarizing

Themes to explore: Perseverance, Thanksgiving History

This engaging picture book tells the true story of Sarah Josepha Hale, a woman who campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. Students can learn about her determination and the historical context surrounding her efforts. Use this text to guide discussions on summarizing key events and exploring the impact of one person’s perseverance on history.

Check out my FULL DAY of lesson plans to accompany Thank You, Sarah. This includes activities for reading writing, math, science, AND social studies. Fill the whole day with fun learning!

You can also try out my FREE writing lesson for Thank You, Sarah here!

Molly's Pilgrim By: Barbara Cohen

Literary Skills: Character Development, Theme
Themes to explore: Acceptance, Cultural Diversity

In this story, a young Jewish girl named Molly learns about the Thanksgiving Pilgrims in school. As Molly learns about her identity and cultural differences, the book highlights themes of acceptance and understanding. This text is excellent for discussing character development and how diverse backgrounds contribute to Thanksgiving traditions.

Check out my FULL DAY of lesson plans to accompany Molly's Pilgrim. 

This is the perfect set of plans to keep your class learning and having fun!

You can also try out my FREE STEM challenge for Molly's Pilgrim here!

A Turkey for Thanksgiving By: Eve Bunting

Literary Elements: Character Analysis, Plot Structure
Themes to Explore: Friendship, Celebration

This delightful tale follows Mr. and Mrs. Moose as they prepare Thanksgiving dinner, hoping to find a turkey. As they search, students can analyze character emotions and plot structure. This book is perfect for students as it encourages discussions about friendship and celebration.

Balloons Over Broadway  By: Melissa Sweet

Literary Elements: Text Features, Author’s Purpose
Themes to Explore: Creativity, Celebration

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book shares the history of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore text features such as illustrations, maps, and captions. Students can analyze the author’s purpose and make connections to their own Thanksgiving traditions.

Turkey Trouble By: Wendi Silvano

Literary Elements: Plot Development, Humor

Themes to Explore: Cleverness, Holiday Traditions

In this tale, a clever turkey devises plans to escape being the main course at Thanksgiving dinner. As students read, they can discuss plot development and how humor enhances storytelling. This book encourages critical thinking about holiday traditions and the creative ways characters navigate challenges.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving By: Charles M. Shulz

Literary Elements: Dialogue, Character Development

Themes to Explore: Friendship, Traditions

This classic story features Charlie Brown as he attempts to host a Thanksgiving meal for his friends. Through engaging dialogue and character interactions, students can explore themes of friendship and the importance of traditions. This text provides opportunity to analyze character relationships and narrative elements.

No Turkey for Thanksgiving (Previously published as 'Duck for Turkey Day')  By: Jacqueline Jules

Literary Elements: Perspective, Compare/Contrast
Themes to Explore: Family, Cultural Differences

In this story, Daisy worries that her family’s Thanksgiving celebration will be different because they are not having turkey. Through Daisy’s perspective, students can explore themes of family and cultural traditions. This book serves as a springboard for discussions about how different families celebrate the holiday in unique ways.

There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey By: Lucille Colandro

Literary Elements: Rhyme, Sequence of Events

Themes to Explore: Humor

This twist on the classic “There Was an Old Lady” rhyme follows an old lady who swallows Thanksgiving-related items. Students can practice identifying rhymes and sequencing events. The playful language and rhythm make it an enjoyable read, even for big kids. 

How to Catch a Turkey By: Adam Wallace

Literary Elements: Narrative Structure, Problem and Solution
Themes to Explore: Ingenuity, Problem-Solving

In this story, clever kids devise plans to catch a turkey. The narrative invites students to think creatively, problem-solve, and work as a team. Your class can discuss narrative structure and even come up with their own creative plans!

The Secrets of Plymouth Rock By: Marcia Sewell

Literary Elements: Informational Text, Main Idea

Themes to Explore: History, Myth vs. Reality

This informative text explores the myths and realities surrounding Plymouth Rock and the first Thanksgiving. It encourages critical thinking about what students read and helps them identify main ideas and supporting details. This book is perfect for sparking discussions on history and how stories shape our understanding of traditions.

Have I missed any of your favorites? I’d love for you to share them with me over on my instagram @fifthintheforest!

     

 

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