Check Me Out - November 2026
KEEPUNUMUK: WEEÂCHUMUN’S THANKSGIVING STORY
By Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten
A Wampanoag grandmother shares the story of the first Thanksgiving with two children, introducing them to the history of their ancestors and the role they played in helping the Pilgrims survive. The illustrations and storytelling present a side of Thanksgiving history that has too often been left out of children’s books. Importantly, the book contains additional information on Wampanoag vocabulary, traditions, and maps.
SHARING THE BREAD
By Pat Zietlow Miller & Jill McElmurry
Everyone has a job to do as a family prepares Thanksgiving dinner. This picture book is super fun, written in a lively and rhythmic verse. The story captures the familiar bustle of a kitchen before a holiday meal. This makes an especially entertaining read-aloud with younger children on Thanksgiving Day.
WE GATHER TOGETHER
By Denise Kiernan
It is easy to forget - or maybe to never know - that Thanksgiving wasn’t always a national holiday. Much of the credit for why we celebrate belongs to Sarah Josepha Hale, who spent decades campaigning for a national day of thanks. In this non-fiction book, Kiernan tells the story of Hale’s efforts against the backdrop of a divided America, revealing how a holiday we take for granted came to be. There is also a young readers’ edition of the book, making it a great choice for multigenerations to read together.
THE THANKSGIVING VISITOR
By Truman Capote
This short story, based on Capote’s childhood memory, is for readers of all ages. Written in Capote’s very Southern (and slightly eccentric) voice, “The Thanksgiving Visitor” manages to say a lot more about human nature than its modest length might suggest. In the story, young Buddy is horrified when his beloved elderly cousin invites the school bully to Thanksgiving dinner. What follows is a bittersweet story about kindness and forgiveness - a holiday classic.
BEAR SAYS THANKS
By Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Bear would like to host a feast for his friends, but there’s nothing in his cupboards. Fortunately, his friends arrive with plenty of yummy food to share. The only problem is that Bear has no food to offer in return. Bear starts to feel bad before his friends help him realize that everyone has something to share. A sweet story that centers around the concept of “thanks.”
HAVEN STAFF PICK: LET’S HAVE A PARADE
By Kim Keller
If you’re like us, you’ll be watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving morning. This book is full of photos and takes you through 100 years of giant balloons, floats, costumes, performers, and Santa.
THE LAGER QUEEN OF MINNESOTA
By J. Ryan Stradal
For a cozy Thanksgiving read with a side of family drama, J. Ryan Stradal’s novel is a good choice. Two estranged sisters, a successful brewing business, and some award-winning pies are at the center of this Midwest family saga. One sister has made a fortune while the other has spent years struggling to get by. The novel is heartwarming without shying away from complicated family relationships.
TURKEY TROUBLE
By Wendi Silvano
Turkey has figured out that Thanksgiving is bad news for him. His plan? Disguise himself as another farm animal and hope the farmer doesn’t notice. Unfortunately, his disguises aren’t quite as convincing as he thinks. Kids of all ages will enjoy watching his increasingly desperate attempts to stay off the
