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‘Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving’ Book Review

'Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving' Book Review

Thanksgiving is an American tradition. But did you know that the United States almost lost the holiday? “Way, way back, when skirts were long and hats were tall, Thanksgiving was fading away,” explains Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson with illustrations by Matt Faulkner. Thankfully, however, one stubborn woman named Sarah Hale persisted in her fight for Thanksgiving until the holiday was officially created by Abraham Lincoln.

Recommended for children between the ages of 5 and 8 years old, Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving offers a new story to read during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Instead of focusing on the first Thanksgiving like many other books, Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving looks at the history of the holiday in the United States. Most kids know the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans. But the majority of readers have never even heard of Sarah Hale, a character just as important in the Thanksgiving story!

The language in Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving is appropriate for kids from kindergarten through third grade. However, even younger readers can enjoy the story. In fact, I first read this book to my daughter last year when she was not yet 2 years old. In addition to the interesting story, the illustrations help bring the story to life. My daughter enjoyed looking at the pictures, even at her young age.

Cover of Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving Inside Pages of Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

Final Verdict: Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson with illustrations by Matt Faulkner is a new take on the traditional Thanksgiving story. Instead of focusing on the first Thanksgiving of the Pilgrims, this book looks at the history of Thanksgiving — a holiday that Americans almost lost. If you are looking for a different kind of Thanksgiving story to read with you kids, I highly recommend Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving.

Purchase Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving on Amazon via my affiliate link.

Image Credits

‘Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving’ Book Review © 2013 Heather Johnson
Cover of Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving © 2013 Heather Johnson
Inside Pages of Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving © 2013 Heather Johnson

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