15 Thanksgiving Books for Christian Families

Thanksgiving books often steer towards the cartoonish. The term “Turkey Day” seems to overshadow the true story of Thanksgiving and gratitude.

As Christian parents, we want to remind our families of the real, raw, and radiant history of 1621 — a story anchored in love, friendship, and sacrifice.

Whether you’re looking for rich read-aloud picture books or gripping chapter books, these 15 Thanksgiving books will anchor your holiday season in gratitude and historical truth, all in a biblical worldview.

Grab a cozy blanket, a warm cup of cider, and let’s explore the best living Thanksgiving books to add to your library basket this year.

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving
by Eric Metaxas
Learn about God’s providence through Squanto’s struggles and blessings in this wonderful picture book that highlights God’s sovereignty in all things.

Squanto Friend of the Pilgrims
by Clyde Robert Bulla

Recommended Book: George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer

The Thanksgiving Story
by Alice Dalgliesh
Enjoy this illustrated chapter book that focuses on the friendly relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, as well as the early settlers’ gratitude for their freedom to worship God as they choose.

Three Young Pilgrims
by Cheryl Harness
Follow along with three young pilgrims in this brilliantly illustrated picture book that draws you into the story. From their harrowing journey across the Atlantic to their hard season of settling in, the story of these three young children and their family will help your family express gratitude for God and the many blessings he has bestowed on you.

Cranberry Thanksgiving
by Wende Devlin
Though it’s not about the early settlers, we made an exception for this book. It’s one of my favorite picture books and adorably, hilariously shows what “love your neighbor” looks like during Thanksgiving.

P is for Pilgrim
by Carol Crane
Read through many facets of Thanksgiving, from the first Thanksgiving with the settlers to Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation that made it a national holiday.

The First Thanksgiving
by Linda Hayward
A great early chapter book to get your budding independent reader learning about the Pilgrims’ journey toward religious freedom and the first Thanksgiving.

Stories of the Pilgrims
by Margaret B Pumphrey

A favorite chapter book from the Pilgrims’ voyage through the first Thanksgiving.

Almost Home: A Story Based on the Life of the Mayflower’s Young Mary Chilton
by Wendy Lawton
A historical fiction based on Mary Chilton’s life.

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims
by Rush Limbaugh
Part of the Rush Revere series, Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims is always on the list of great books about the early settlers.

The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower
by P.J. Lynch
Based on the true story of John Howland, this book shows the Pilgrims’ journey from a different perspective.

The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish
by Cheryl Harness
Another Cheryl Harness focusing on Myles Standish can’t be a bad thing.

Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation
by Diane Stanley
Enjoy historian Diane Stanley’s historically accurate picture book about Thanksgiving. Get some tidbits about the event that you thought you knew in the Author’s Note.

William Bradford: Pilgrim Boy
by Bradford Smith
Recipe: Thunder Cake
Follow along with Governor William Bradford’s life in this chapter book.

Plymouth’s Rock
by Janet & Geogg Benge
Best for upper elementary through middle school, readers zoom in on William Bradford’s life and role as leader of the Pilgrims.

What books would you add to the list?

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