THANKSGIVING READS

THANKSGIVING READS

I am going to group my Thanksgiving books in different categories. Today's category is books with realistic pictures and lifestyles of the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Most of them are appropriate for young kids. One I have recommended as a deep discussion starter for older kids.

On the Mayflower, Samuel Eaton's Day, Sarah Morton's Day, and Tapenum's Day are all written by Kate Waters. The text is very easy to read and there are lots of accompanying photos.

1621 A New Look at Thanksgiving is written by Catherine O'Neill Grace and Margaret M. Bruchac. This photo book is written from a pro- Wampanoag/somewhat anti-English perspective. This is a book for discussion not just absorbing.

 It is important to remember-

1. The perspective of the different groups of people talked about. There were definitely English that came for terrible reasons such as taking slaves. That was not the case of all!

2.Diseases were brought and that was very, very tragic. But it wasn't purposefully done.

3. The Native Americans were not all just a happy peaceful group before the English arrived. Some warred with each other, made slaves of each other, took territory from each other, stole from each other. This was not just an English behavior.

There were terrible atrocities and wrongs on both sides.

So what does Thanksgiving show us? It shows us that for 3 days we have a point in history of Native Americans and English (Pilgrims) celebrating together what had been accomplished together. The Pilgrims were giving thanks to God for survival and bounty. For us today it is a time to reflect on what we've come through, to help us refocus, and be thankful for the blessings in our lives.