Why We Have Thanksgiving

by Margaret Hillert, Stephen Marchesi (Illustrations)

"Authorized adapted reprint from the U.S. English language edition"--Title page verso.

Genres: History, Thanksgiving, Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

About the author

Margaret Hillert has written over 80 books for children who are just learning to read. Her books have been translated into many languages and have helped children throughout the world learn to read. She first started writing poetry as a child and has continued to write for children and adults throughout her life. As a first grade teacher, Margaret realized that the books available for students just learning to read were beyond their comprehension. She then began to write her easy readers and poetry for children. Her first collection of poetry Farther Than Far was published in 1969. Her many awards include the Chicago Children's Reading Round Table Annual Award for outstanding contributions to the field of children's literature. Other honors include the David W. Longe Prize and the Michigan Bookwoman of the Year Award. A teacher for 34 years, she is now retired and lives in Michigan where she continues to write stories and poetry.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight]

A very basic reading level is required for this holiday book. Great illustrations help convey what the simple words lack.

Reading Level: 1st

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Rose Rosetree]

Witness a powerful presentation of the traditional elementary school version of the Thanskgiving holiday.

The writing is exceptionally direct and effective. For instance, early on, readers see pilgrims in prison, probably back in England. Two of these prisoners are shown talking to each other while sharing a cell:

We do not like this.
Oh, we do not like this.
What can we do?
What can we do?

We can go away.
Yes, we can go away.
That is what we can do.
We can go in a boat.
A big, big boat.

ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE

What's so remarkable about Margaret Hillert, this superlative author of early reader storybooks?

When dealing with this compex subject matter. she doesn't dumb down a thing. Nor does she go all babyish. Instead she appeals to the humanity in every reader, even very young ones. Margaret appeals to their nascent humanity, whatever their current level of education.

HIGHEST PRAISE for this book, along with my FIVE STAR rating.

[Peacegal]

Very simple early reader text in the "Dick & Jane" vein. It introduces various vocab words, but is extremely outdated, perhaps to the point of being offensive to many. It's interesting from a historical perspective but there are no doubt many other Thanksgiving-themed books that cater to a similar reading level that may be a better fit for modern audiences.

[Carla]

This is a very simple easy to read story for beginning readers. It tells the journey the pilgrims take from being imprisoned to taking their families across the ocean to America. It then very briefly describes their struggles (building homes, planting crops) during the first year culminated in the celebration of the first Thanksgiving. This story is told with only 73 words. The illustrations are nicely done and the family used to tell the story is depicted well. It is very appropriate around Thanksgiving time and would be a great story for those beginning readers. As will all Margaret Hillert Beginning to Read books, there are activities at the end to reinforce reading skills and a word list. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Katie Simmons]

I love Margaret Hillert books! "Why We Have Thanksgiving" is another hit. With only 72 words, the book illustrates the imprisonment, travel and struggles of the pilgrims. Stephen Marchesi does a wonderful job with the illustrations.

As with all Margaret Hillert books, I love the Reading Reinforcement activities and word list at the end of the book.

Perfect for those learning to read and for pre-k to have a simple idea of the meaning of Thanksgiving.

Thank you Norwood House Press and NetGalley for the free digital copy of this book!

[Brittney]

"Why We Have Thanksgiving" is a story that takes the reader on a journey across the ocean to America. It is a beginner’s book. It is a very easy read and I would share it with my students around Thanksgiving.

[Stacia]

Dick-and-Jane-style...

[Illey]

I'm impressed that 73 words were used to express the journey across seas to make it to America. It is a beginners book, with nicely put illustrations. It is very appropriate around Thanksgiving time.

[Drusilla]

Too simplistic and trivialized.

[Kristie Hinckley]

Racist. It only has 73 words throughout the whole book (controlled vocabulary).

[Jessica Simmons]

This is a good book to read at Thanksgiving time! It is a good history of why we have Thanksgiving and why it is important.