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Cover of Celebrate Thanksgiving

Celebrate Thanksgiving

by Deborah Heiligman

Book Details

Publisher:National Geographic Books
Published:2008
Pages:36
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Describes the history and customs of Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

Our Review

This engaging exploration of Thanksgiving traditions offers young readers a comprehensive look at how this national holiday has evolved from early harvest celebrations to the modern family gatherings we recognize today. Heiligman skillfully balances historical context with contemporary practices, covering everything from the 1621 Plymouth feast to current customs like parades and football games. The narrative provides clear explanations of Thanksgiving's development while addressing common misconceptions about the first celebration between Pilgrims and Wampanoag people.

What sets this book apart is its thoughtful approach to presenting multiple perspectives on Thanksgiving's meaning and history. The author acknowledges both the celebratory aspects and the complex historical relationships between European settlers and Native communities, making it valuable for classroom discussions. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of how traditions form and change over time, appreciating both the holiday's historical roots and its modern significance in American culture.

Themes

Juvenile Nonfiction

Subjects

Juvenile Nonfiction