First published 2017
Thanksgiving stands as America's first homegrown holiday. Deborah Heiligman traces how the Pilgrims' grateful feast built upon Native American customs of giving thanks for the harvest. The author connects this American tradition to thanksgiving celebrations across different faiths and cultures worldwide. Heiligman shows how harvest festivals unite people everywhere who pause to appreciate their blessings. The book captures both the historical origins and modern cultural significance of this November gathering. Stunning photographs bring the holiday's evolution to life, from colonial times through contemporary celebrations. Readers discover how one meal of gratitude grew into a national tradition that brings families together each year. The book includes practical resources like a traditional Thanksgiving recipe, helpful glossary terms, and additional references for further exploration. Dr. Elizabeth Pleck contributes historical context that enriches understanding of this uniquely American custom.
Genres: history, non-fiction, cooking, childrens, food-and-drink, american-history
Vibes: educational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: cultural-traditions, historical-nonfiction
Setting: America, Native American
Period: Colonial, Contemporary
32 pages · Library Binding · National Geographic Children's Books