The First Thanksgiving

What was it like to be a pilgrim child in 17th-century Massachusetts? This charming picture book takes young readers back in time to see. For one thing, pilgrim children didn't go to school. Instead, they helped their parents with chores and played games such as marbles. There were no convenient grocery stores. Pilgrims had to hunt and gather food, then cook their meals on an open fire or in an outdoor oven. Dramatic photos of historical reenactments combine with lively text to give today's children a vivid sense of daily life in Plymouth colony. Here is a great book for fostering an early interest in history!

Countering the prevailing, traditional story of the first Thanksgiving, with its black-hatted, silver-buckled Pilgrims; blanket-clad, be-feathered Indians; cranberry sauce; pumpkin pie; and turkey, this lushly illustrated photo-essay presents a more measured, balanced, and historically accurate version of the three-day harvest celebration in 1621.

Plimoth Plantation and the National Geographic Society come together to tell the true story behind the legendary voyage of the Mayflower. A meticulously researched work, Mayflower 1620 offers children a compelling, fresh account of this much-told story.

Vibrant photography of a rare reenactment using the Mayflower II leads readers imaginatively into the narrative. The vivid and informative text explores the story behind the exhibits at the living-history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Primary sources record what the voyagers wore, what they ate, and telling details of their journey. First-person accounts reveal the hopes and dreams they carried. Readers share in the long hours at sea, and in the dangers faced after landfall. Extensive end notes, a map, a detailed chronology, and a bibliography round out the full story of the Mayflower.

Readers experience a new look at this seminal historical event through the eyes of those who now regularly inhabit the world of the pilgrims—the actors who interpret the Pilgrim Voyage. This eye-opening book teaches children the value of closely reexamining everything we think we know.

From the same team that brought you The Day Jesus Was Born comes a charming story that introduces the Thanksgiving holiday to young readers.

This is the food, gathered and blessed,
the corn and sweet berries, and wild turkey dressed,
shared on the very first Thanksgiving Day.

Join author Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrator Susan Gaber on a journey back to the very first Thanksgiving Day, when two societies came together to feast and honor the earth's bounty in peace.

The Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving lasted three whole days. Ann McGovern's simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today - THANKSGIVING.

Wouldn't it be great to be part of that famous Thanksgiving feast at Plymouth Plantation back in 1621?

Then join the Time-Traveling Twins as they sit down to an enormous FOUR-DAY feast, complete with puddings, pompions, pottages, and, of course, turkeys. Meet Squanto and the other Native Americans. Help with the harvest. Find out what it was like to be a Pilgrim.

Once again, historian Diane Stanley's fun and impeccably researched text is brought to life by Holly Berry's accessible illustrations. Word balloons, engaging characters, and all sorts of wonderful details about the beginning of this American tradition await the lucky adventurer who journeys back with the Time-Traveling Twins.

The history of Plymouth Rock comes alive in this book by Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz!

For years, Plymouth Rock lived a quiet life. Then in 1741, the people decided to make a fuss because the Pilgrims must have stepped on it when they arrived in America. And that's when the adventures began. This entertaining book tells about Plymouth Rock's humble origins before it rose to a place of historic prominence.

Young and old alike will enjoy this thoroughly researched and personable biography of the first governer of Plimouth Plantation. Read about Bradford's difficult childhood in England and see how he was being prepared by hardship and los to face the challenges of his adult life. 200 pages, softcover.

Four hundred years ago, 102 men, women, and children crowded between decks of a small cargo ship named The Mayflower and set out for the New World. Who were these people, willing to risk everything and move to a wild, untamed land? Why did they go, what did they do, and does any of it even matter today? Using talented voice actors with dramatic sound effects and including recent historical discoveries, Freedom: William Bradford and the American Pilgrims tells a riveting and timely tale of determination, endurance, and conviction. In the 6-episode Part 1, the story begins with young William Bradford and continues through the trials of fleeing England, living in Holland, then preparing for and living through the voyage to America, and the first days in the New World. In Part 2, 7 episodes continue the story with the hardship and sorrow of the first winter in the New World through meeting Squanto and finding new ways to fish, hunt and grow crops, Massasoit’s healing by Edward Winslow, Myles Standish, and the first Thanksgiving. Part 1 is over 2 hours on 2 audio CDs. Part 2 is over 3 hours on 3 audio CDs. Ages 12 and up.

In these richly detailed pages, you'll meet three of the young Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower, Bartholomew, Remember, and Mary Allerton.

When Bartholemew, Remember, and Mary Allerton and their parents first step down from the Mayflower after sixty days at sea, they never dream that life in the New World will be so hard. Many in their Plymouth colony won't make it through the winter, and the colony's first harvest is possible only with the help of two friends, Samoset and Squanto.

Richly detailed paintings show how the pilgrims lived after landing at Plymouth, through the dark winter and into the busy days of spring, summer, and fall. Culminating with the excitement of the original Thanksgiving feast, Three Young Pilgrims makes history come alive.

In 1620 an English ship called the Mayflower landed on the shores inhabited by the Pokanoket, and it was Squanto who welcomed the newcomers and taught them how to survive. When a good harvest was gathered, the people feasted together--a tradition that continues almost four hundred years later. 32 pages. Grades K-3.

Recreates in accurate detail one of the most popular events in American history, with photographs taken at Plimoth Plantation, the living museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Learn how and why the Pilgrims left England to come to America!

In England in the early 1600s, everyone was forced to join the Church of England. Young William Bradford and his friends believed they had every right to belong to whichever church they wanted. In the name of religious freedom, they fled to Holland, then sailed to America to start a new life. But the winter was harsh, and before a year passed, half the settlers had died. Yet, through hard work and strong faith, a tough group of Pilgrims did survive. Their belief in freedom of religion became an American ideal that still lives on today.

James Daugherty draws on the Pilgrims' own journals to give a fresh and moving account of their life and traditions, their quest for religious freedom, and the founding of one of our nation's most beloved holidays; Thanksgiving.

Pilgrim Stories was originally written in the early 1900s for the purpose of encouraging student interest in the lives of the Pilgrims; it has been newly edited and expanded to include a horizontal history of the world of the Pilgrims of the early 17th century. Drawing upon a number of primary sources, including William Bradford's Diary, Of Plimoth Plantation, and Good Newes from New England, these edited stories are presented through the eyes of the children who were there. A narrative of faith, courage, and joy, this engaging living book will draw children into the events of the past. 182 pages, softcover. Grades 4-7 / Ages 9-12.

Newbery Honor-winner Gary Schmidt tells the fascinating story of William Bradford, founder of Plymouth Colony.

Near starvation. Scurvy, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. Bitter cold. Daily deaths. This was the Pilgrims' first winter in Plymouth Colony. But thanks in large part to William Bradford, the colonists survived and went on to celebrate what we call Thanksgiving.

William Bradford came to the New World with the other Pilgrims in search of religious freedom. With great faith in God and in his own abilities, he established a stable colony, doing his best to be just and fair to his fellow colonists as well as to the Native Americans living in the area. After he became governor of the colony, he was reelected more than thirty times.

Filled with maps, paintings, and historical illustrations, this biography for young readers by Newbery Honor-winning author Gary Schmidt introduces readers to the dramatic story of the man who founded Plymouth Colony.

Learn about the joys and hardships the Pilgrims faced in the New World as seen through the observant eyes of a young girl. Little Mary and the Pilgrims come to an America today's children would not recognize. Desolate and cold, there are no homes, no churches, no stores, no crops, no livestock. How did the Pilgrims build homes in the bitter cold of a New England winter? What did they eat? How did they construct a fireplace with no bricks? What did they use to make candles and eating utensils? What about elections...church services...Indians...table manners...cooking...new foods? It's all here in fascinating detail. Included is a Bulid-Your-Vocabulary Glossary of some 174 words with definitions, all cross-referenced with their page numbers in the story.

Daughters of the Faith: Ordinary Girls Who Lived Extraordinary Lives.

Almost Home is the story of the pilgrims’ journey to America and of God’s providence and provision.

Several of the characters in the story—Mary Chilton, Constance Hopkins, and Elizabeth Tilley—were actual passengers on the Mayflower. Mary Chilton was a young girl when she left her home in Holland and traveled to America onboard the Mayflower with her parents. The journey was filled with trials, joys, and some surprises, but when she reached the New World, she experienced a new life, new freedom, and new home.

Wendy Lawton has taken the facts of the pilgrims’ journey to the New World, and from this information filled in personal details to create a genuine and heart-warming story.

From America’s #1 radio talk-show host and multi-million-copy #1 New York Times bestselling author, a book for young readers with a history teacher who travels back in time to have adventures with exceptional Americans.

MEET RUSH LIMBAUGH’S REALLY GOOD PAL, RUSH REVERE!

Okay, okay, my name’s really Rusty—but my friends call me Rush. Rush Revere. Because I’ve always been the #1 fan of the coolest colonial dude ever, Paul Revere. Talk about a rock star—this guy wanted to protect young America so badly, he rode through those bumpy, cobblestone-y streets shouting “the British are coming!” On a horse. Top of his lungs. Wind blowing, rain streaming...

Well, you get the picture. But what if you could get the real picture—by actually going back in time and seeing with your own eyes how our great country came to be? Meeting the people who made it all happen—people like you and me?

Hold on to your pointy triangle hats, because you can—with me, Rush Revere, seemingly ordinary substitute history teacher, as your tour guide across time! “How?” you ask? Well, there’s this portal. And a horse. My talking horse named Liberty. And—well, just trust me, I’ll get us there.

We’ll begin by joining a shipload of brave families journeying on the Mayflower in 1620. Yawn? I don’t think so. 1620 was a pretty awesome time, and you’ll experience exactly what they did on that rough, dangerous ocean crossing. Together, we’ll ask the pilgrims all our questions, find out how they live, join them at the first Thanksgiving, and much more.

So saddle up and let’s ride! Our exceptional nation is waiting to be discovered all over again by exceptional young patriots—like you!

Discover the amazing true story of how one Native American's suffering, generosity, and friendship led to the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims, by New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas.

In 1608, traders came to Massachusetts, captured a Patuxet boy named Squanto, and sold him into slavery. He was later cared for by Christians, taught faith in God, and learned to speak English. Ten years after his capture, he returned to America and learned an epidemic had wiped out his entire village. Yet God had plans for Squanto.
When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, Squanto had the ability to communicate with the new settlers. Imagine their surprise to find an indigenous man who spoke the same language as they did living in the exact place where they landed in a strange new world. Because of Squanto's help translating, the Pilgrims and the Native Americans lived together in friendship and celebrated the first Thanksgiving.

This beautifully illustrated picture book for children 6 to 10

• tells the biography of Squanto, his journey to Europe and back, and his life-saving friendship to the new settlers at Plymouth;
• shows that God can bring good things out of bad circumstances;
• is the perfect blend of information and adventure; and
• is a great addition to a Thanksgiving celebration, Sunday School class, family story time, homeschool unit, or fall bedtime routine.

Learn about the people at the first Thanksgiving and how God can work miracles around the world.

Introduce children to the historical story of Thanksgiving with this simple board book of only 200 words.

Here is the story of Thanksgiving told in only about 200 words that are simple enough for a toddler to understand. From the Pilgrims' voyage to the first feast with the Native Americans, the Thanksgiving story is presented in its most traditional form. The bright illustrations and explanations will help children understand how the historical events relate to today's Thanksgiving traditions. This book is a wonderful introduction to the significance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thirty-four children on the MayflowerThree days of Thanksgiving feastingAnd hundreds of facts about the hardworking Pilgrims

Pilgrims in Plymouth: True or False QuizThe Mayflower was a huge ship-nearly as large as the Titanic-with a bowling alley and a swimming pool Squanto, an Indian who helped the Pilgrims, spoke English.Pilgrim farmers buried fish in the ground to help their corn grow better.The Pilgrims called their harvest feast Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving today is a time for families to say grace and gobble turkey. But why did the Pilgrims start this tradition? And who were these people anyway? In this latest outstanding entry in the Don't Know Much About(R) series by renowned author Kenneth C. Davis, you can discover all you ever wanted to know about the Pilgrims.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this lift-the-flap book from Nancy Davis!

Nancy Davis recreates the excitement and wonder of the first Thanksgiving--how the pilgrims came to America and how the Native Americans taught them to plant and then joined them in a Thanksgiving feast. Parents can use the simple text and the bright, graphic illustrations of this lift-the-flap book to introduce a very young child to this holiday.

Discover the incredible story of one of American history's least known, yet most compelling, figures as it unfolds in The Legend of Squanto. This Focus on the Family radio theatre drama is more than just a tale about an honest man who triumphed over tragedy. It is also a tribute to honor, integrity, and the God-given ability to look beyond the color of one's skin . . . and into the heart.

A window into the rich Christian heritage of our nation

Did Columbus believe that God called him west to undiscovered lands? Does American democracy owe its inception to the handful of Pilgrims that settled at Plymouth? If, indeed, there was a specific, divine call upon this nation, is it still valid today?

The Light and the Glory answers these questions and many more for history buffs. As readers look at their nation's history from God's point of view, they will begin to have an idea of how much we owe to a very few--and how much is still at stake.

Now revised and expanded, The Light and the Glory is poised to show new readers just how special their country is.

Huddled aboard a small ship plowing the Atlantic, 102 passengers sailed their way into history in 1620. Carpenter's well-researched narrative captures the physical hardships, spiritual challenges, and emotional toll William Bradford, Miles Standish, Samuel Fuller, William Brewster, and other Mayflower voyagers experienced as they struggled to found a Christian settlement in an untamed land. 117 pages, softcover.

Foreword Book of the Year Award Finalist

The Pilgrims' celebration of the first Thanksgiving is a keystone of America's national and spiritual identity. But is what we've been taught about them or their harvest feast what actually happened? And if not, what difference does it make?

Through the captivating story of the birth of this quintessentially American holiday, veteran historian Tracy McKenzie helps us to better understand the tale of America's origins—and for Christians, to grasp the significance of this story and those like it. McKenzie avoids both idolizing and demonizing the Pilgrims, and calls us to love and learn from our flawed yet fascinating forebears.

The First Thanksgiving is narrative history at its best, and promises to be an indispensable guide to the interplay of historical thinking and Christian reflection on the meaning of the past for the present.

"Vivid and remarkably fresh...Philbrick has recast the Pilgrims for the ages."--The New York Times Book Review

Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History
New York Times Book Review Top Ten books of the Year

With a new preface marking the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower.

How did America begin? That simple question launches the acclaimed author of In the Hurricane's Eye and Valiant Ambition on an extraordinary journey to understand the truth behind our most sacred national myth: the voyage of the Mayflower and the settlement of Plymouth Colony. As Philbrick reveals in this electrifying history of the Pilgrims, the story of Plymouth Colony was a fifty-five year epic that began in peril and ended in war. New England erupted into a bloody conflict that nearly wiped out the English colonists and natives alike. These events shaped the existing communites and the country that would grow from them.

The idea of covenant was at the heart of early New England society. In this singular book David Weir explores the origins and development of covenant thought in America by analyzing the town and church documents written and signed by seventeenth-century New Englanders. Unmatched in the breadth of its scope, this study takes into account all of the surviving covenants in all of the New England colonies. Weir's comprehensive survey of seventeenth-century covenants leads to a more complex picture of early New England than what emerges from looking at only a few famous civil covenants like the Mayflower Compact. His work shows covenant theology being transformed into a covenantal vision for society but also reveals the stress and strains on church-state relationships that eventually led to more secularized colonial governments in eighteenth-century New England. He concludes that New England colonial society was much more "English" and much less "American" than has often been thought, and that the New England colonies substantially mirrored religious and social change in Old England.