November is a perfect time to focus on gratitude, kindness, and fun. There is no better way to do that in 4th and 5th grade than by sharing Thanksgiving books geared towards upper elementary. I mean, what kids don’t love great Thanksgiving read alouds, right?
After searching high and low for books that would interest my 4th grade and 5th grade students, I came up with the following list.
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There is nothing I like more than reading a picture book to my upper elementary students that provides them with real life facts, especially ones they may never have been exposed to.
Thank you, Sarah: The Woman who Saved Thanksgiving
Thank you, Sarah tells the story of how Sarah Hale, after many obstacles, was able to convince Abraham Lincoln himself to sign a proclamation making Thanksgiving a National holiday.
This story is a tribute to Hale and shows kids that almost anything is possible with a lot of perseverance.
Balloons Over Broadway: The Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade
Balloons Over Broadway is definitely a teacher favorite. There are so many extension activities that can be implemented in the classroom after reading this book. Students can log a parade map, research the different Macy’s Parade balloons, and they can create their own “parade balloons.”
This book tells the story of Tony Sarg who was asked to make puppet window displays. He was then hired to help design a parade.
Tony was asked to replace the animals included in the parade because they scared the children. With lots of thoughts and planning, he was able to make large puppet balloons that inspire those of today.
Historical fiction picture books give students the opportunity to see what life was like before while entertaining them with a fictional story. It is a great way to allow students to see some history through the perspective of a character.
Milly and the Macy’s Parade
Milly and the Macy’s Parade tells the story of the first Macy’s Parade that was organized by immigrant employees of Macy’s. The fictional main character, Milly, is a Polish immigrant girl.
This book is a great follow up read aloud to Balloons Over Broadway. It would be a great activity to compare and contrast the two books.
Books focused on immigrants who celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States is a great way to incorporate different cultures into your classroom.
This will help students who celebrate Thanksgiving in untraditional ways see that there are many others who do as well.
It also helps kids that celebrate Thanksgiving traditionally see that there are many other ways people celebrate the holiday.
It is a great way to open up conversations and build community.
Molly’s Pilgrim
Molly’s Pilgrim is not a picture book in the sense of the term. However, its updated version does contain many images within the text. This story is a classic in classroom all around the country.
The touching story is about an immigrant named Molly. She leads her class to discover that it takes all kinds of pilgrims to make a Thanksgiving.
Duck for Turkey Day
Duck for Turkey Day tells the story of Tuyet. Her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving instead of turkey. While she is embarrassed to admit it at school, she realizes that not all families have turkey.
It’s a nice book to show students how our differences are special and should all be honored.
Picture books based on a true story help students peek into the real world.
Thanksgiving in the Woods
Thanksgiving in the Woods is based on the true story of a family in Upstate New York. They have hosted a Thanksgiving feast in the woods on their farm for over 20 years.
This book shows how a community can come together to celebrate all they are thankful for.
Gratitude themed picture books can help students learn ways to show their appreciation for things they already have. It also reminds them to look around at the “simple things” in life that we sometimes overlook.
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga has received multiple awards and recognitions. It focuses on the things the Cherokee community is grateful for throughout the different seasons.
This book shows the reader how important it is to take time to reflect on our blessings. It also educates the reader on the importance of community and family to the Cherokee.
The following books contain either a collection of poems or are written in rhyming form.
Thanku: Poems of Gratitude
Thanku: Poems of Gratitude is a collection of poems written by a diverse group of poets. Each writer uses a different poetic form.
This book is not just perfect for the Thanksgiving season, but it is also a great addition to your poetry unit. The book was designed to showcase a collection of well-known and lesser-known styles of poems. Some of the poem styles included are: an echo poem, a sonnet, and a concrete poem.
The back of the book contains a few pages that define each type of poem found within the book.
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is written by Dav Pilkey, the beloved author of Dog-Man.
Kids will absolutely love this fun book that mimics ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas as it is written in the same rhyme and rhythm.
Teachers will love the opportunity to teach vocabulary terms using context clues and image clues.
Wrapping up the list with some fun turkey themed picture books because sometimes we read just to have fun and some laughs.
Not This Turkey
Not this Turkey tells the story of a Jewish Papa who wins a turkey. He brings it home to Mama, and she invites people over for a great feast. The problem is that their daughter, Mel, has a soft spot for the turkey.
A Plump and Perky Turkey
A Plump and Perky Turkey is a story that takes place in Squawk Valley. The townspeople there do not have turkeys to eat for Thanksgiving because all of the turkeys have left. The people decide to try to trick a turkey into town. A turkey shows up, but he outsmarts them.
This book lends itself perfectly as a Thanksgiving ELA activity when reviewing plot.
I like to use it for a model lesson with students. After reading the book, we take notes, and then create a Turkey Story Map.
Turk and Runt
Turk and Runt is a light-hearted read aloud about turkeys that does not want to be eaten for Thanksgiving. Runt, one of the turkeys, knows the real reason why people are visiting the farm, but no one believes him. As events happen, the other turkeys begin to realize he is right, but is it too late?
The Great Turkey Race
The Great Turkey Race tells the story of three turkeys who decide to have a contest to get the farmer to pick them. Little do they know what the farmer is picking them for. They realize it towards the end of the competition, but how will they survive?
Turkey Trouble
Turkey Trouble tells the story of a turkey tries to disguise itself as different animals in the farm to hide from the farmer, but will it work?
This is a perfect read aloud as an introduction to a “Disguise the Turkey” activity.
How to Catch a Turkey
How to Catch a Turkey is a story about a turkey who gets stage fright. He decides to run around the school. He gets chased by kids and adults. Will they catch him? Will he still be part of the play?
I hope this list of the best Thanksgiving read alouds for upper elementary gives you some great suggestions of books to share with your kids this November. Make sure to check out some great ELA Thanksgiving activities you can also implement in your classroom this month.
