Part of Magic Tree House, book 27
First published 2002
The Magic Tree House transports Jack and Annie to Plymouth Colony on the first Thanksgiving Day in 1621. The Pilgrims welcome the children and ask them to help prepare for the celebration. Jack and Annie eagerly agree, but they quickly discover that colonial life requires skills they don't possess. They struggle with cooking methods from the 1600s and fail at clamming like the Pilgrims do. Every task they attempt goes wrong, and their mistakes pile up throughout the day. Jack and Annie worry that their bumbling efforts will destroy the holiday completely. They must find a way to contribute meaningfully to the feast before they ruin everything for the Pilgrims and their guests. The story explores themes of cooperation, cultural differences, and finding your own way to help others.
Genres: historical-fiction, holiday
Vibes: emotional, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Magic Tree House, Plymouth Colony
Period: 1621, First Thanksgiving Day
73 pages · Paperback · Random House Books for Young Readers