Books by Theme
Remembrance and Giving Thanks
November is a month to remember those who have served to keep others safe. It is also a harvest month and a special time to give thanks. Browse this related booklist: A Harvest of Books for Thanksgiving.
A Little Peace
All it takes is…one hand/One smile/A single voice… to achieve it; and children everywhere can "spread a little peace". Full color photographs taken around the world (and sourced at the end) along with a concluding note from the president of the U.S. Institute of Peace concludes this exceptional concept book.
Biscuit Is Thankful
Biscuit, a small yellow puppy, is grateful for many things. He appreciates his little girl, their daily walks, and more. Straightforward illustrations and the clear-cut narrative presented on sturdy pages is just right to share with younger children.
Feeling Thankful
Full-color photographs on well-composed pages introduce a multicultural cast of kids. Each child expresses what he or she is thankful for — from family and friends to a pet mouse — in this handsome and useful book.
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message
In this poignant and graceful picture book, Chief Jake Swamp gives thanks to Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants for sharing their rare and precious gifts. According to the author's note, these words are still spoken at ceremonial and governmental gatherings held by the Six Nations. Available in Spanish. Related classroom activities are included in this teachers guide.
Gracias / Thanks
From the sun that wakens him to the cricket that serenades him to sleep, a young boy gives thanks for the many kinds of friends who help him throughout the day. Pat Mora's reflection on gratitude is filled with kindness and humor, brought to life by John Parra's heartwarming illustrations. Pat concludes the book with an author's note about the things she for which she feels grateful. Bilingual text.
Rolling Thunder
Lines of bikes are miles long, shining, half a million strong. Rumbling, grumbling, engines roar. Peace signs. High fives. Spirits soar. Every Memorial Day in Washington, DC, more than a million veterans and their supporters gather for the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom, a demonstration that pays tribute to the men and women of the US armed forces.
Splat Says Thank You
Splat, a likeable, fuzzy cat is grateful for many things, especially his friend Seymour. To show him, Splat makes more than a card; he makes a thank you book! Expressive, textured illustrations on open backgrounds show Splat’s range of emotions as he thinks about his buddy.
Still This Love Goes On
See the world through the eyes of a child in evocative illustrations by a Cree-Métis artist who brings new meaning and joy to Cree singer/songwriter Buffy Sainte Marie’s lyrics. Indigenous traditions echo throughout the seasons and goings-on, but always return to those we care most about, because “still, this love goes on.”
Strega Nona’s Harvest
When the good Italian witch, Strega Nona carefully adds a touch of magic to her well-tended garden it grows beautifully. Her bumbling assistant, Big Anthony, is not as careful with near-disastrous results. A creative solution to the overabundance winds up helping many — but will Big Anthony ever learn?
The Letter Home
A medic writes his son about his time in Europe in 1918 during the First World War. The man tells his son that he wanted to wait until he could also say he was coming home. Understated text combines with black/white line drawings for a sophisticated, evocative, and touching glimpse of war, sure to generate conversation between readers.
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. And she devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today.
The Wall
A boy describes the trip he takes with his father to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Together, they look for the name of his grandfather, who died before he was born.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
Join the Cherokee people as they celebrate each season of the year and special occasions, as well as the daily activities for which gratitude is expressed. Bold hues and flat forms distinguish the naïve illustrations. Cherokee words, based on Sequoyah’s syllabary (written symbols for syllables), are sprinkled throughout. Additional information concludes this handsome and unique glimpse of contemporary Native life written by a Cherokee poet.
We Give Thanks
One fine day, two friends — a rabbit and a frog — set out to explore their small town, interacting with a host of animal companions along the way. Each step of their journey gives them something more to be thankful for, including their mittens and scarves, the rain and snow, their family members, and the food on their table. A Thanksgiving story that encourages acts of kindness all year round.
Proceeds from the sale of books purchased at Bookshop.org and Amazon.com help support the Reading Rockets project. Thank you!
New and Popular
Our Literacy Blogs
