As your family prepares for Thanksgiving, you can reflect on what it means to have gratitude and share it with others. These books focus on what we all have to be thankful for, including what matters the most.
By Howard County Library System Children’s Instructor & Research Specialist Jean Boone and Senior Teens’ Instructor & Research Specialist Carmen Jessop
Board Books
“1 2 3s of Thankfulness”
by Patrica Hegarty
This sweet board book provides practice with counting from one to 10 and with showing gratitude for relatable things like friends, flowers and food. With rhyming text and gentle animal illustrations, the youngest readers will be drawn into seeing both numbers and gifts in the world around them.
“My Heart Fills With Happiness”
by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Julie Flett
What fills your heart with happiness? Singing? Stories? Walking barefoot in the grass? Julie Flett’s gorgeous, bold artwork featuring Native American children and everyday joys will spark heartfelt responses from little ones and grown-ups alike. A perfect launchpad for Thanksgiving!
Picture Books
“The Thank You Letter”
by Jane Cabrera
Writing a thank-you note isn’t a tedious chore but a contagious pleasure, as Grace discovers in this charming story. After writing thank-you notes for birthday gifts from friends and relatives, she just can’t stop. From her teacher to her cat, Grace shares what she appreciates and gets a wonderful surprise in return. Handwritten notes on every page show readers how easy it can be to write a thoughtful thank you.
“What Is Given from the Heart”
by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison
Life is hard for James Otis and his mother, but when another family in their community loses everything in a fire, James finds a way to give a gift that makes another child’s day brighter. A powerful story of generosity, this book has lyrical words and emotion-filled pictures that beautifully depict a culture of faith, hope and love, and the joy that comes from giving.
Elementary Books
“Even Robots Can Be Thankful!”
by Jan Thomas
Red Robot and Blue Robot might get on each other’s nerves, but friendship shines through when there’s a problem to solve — and that’s something to be grateful for! Early readers will enjoy the bright pictures, bold text and manageable chapters in this funny and energetic graphic novel.
“America Gives Thanks”
by Bob McKinnon, illustrated by Thai My Phuong
On a field trip to Washington, D.C., students learn about the power — and positivity — of complaining to bring about change. With gratitude for America’s tradition of debate, disagreement and protest to address problems, this book highlights moments and leaders in American history and encourages conversation about peaceful change through disagreement.
Middle Grade Books
“Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers”
by Celia C. Perez
After Ofelia, Aster, Cat and Lane fail to persuade a local girls club to change an outdated tradition, they form an alternative group that shakes up their sleepy Florida town. This book includes tips for beginning birders, characteristics of crystals, a cookie recipe, tips for aspiring journalists, directions for creating badges and facts about the killing of birds for fashion.
“The Science of Breakable Things”
by Tae Keller
Seventh grader Natalie uses the scientific process to cope with her mother’s depression and enter an egg-drop competition. She wants to win the prize money to fund a trip to see a miracle Cobalt Blue Orchid in the hope that it will help her mother heal. This novel combines Natalie’s scientific observations with her personal journey, exploring themes of friendship, mental health and the reality that parents, like everything else, can be fragile but resilient.
Teen Books
“Needy Little Things”
by Channelle Desamours
Seventeen-year-old Sariyah, who can sense people’s immediate needs, must use her ability to solve her friend’s mysterious disappearance while dealing with family challenges and avoiding the same danger that befell her friend. As Sariyah and her community work to bring Deja back home, Sariyah realizes her friends are keeping shocking secrets and nothing is as it seems.
“A Forgery of Fate”
by Elizabeth Lim
Truyan Saigas didn’t choose to become a con artist, but after her father is lost at sea, it’s up to her to support her mother and two younger sisters. A gifted art forger, Tru has the unique ability to paint the future, but even such magic is not enough to put her family back together again, or stave off the gangsters demanding payment in blood for her mother’s gambling debts.
