Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving

Last updated Tuesday, November 5, 2002

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrator: Matt Faulkner
Date of Publication: 2002
ISBN: 0689847874
Grade Level: 3rd
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2002

Synopsis: (from the publisher) "We the people of the United States ... Almost Lost Thanksgiving."
Yes. That's right! Way back when "skirts were long and hats were tall" Americans were forgetting Thanksgiving, and nobody seemed to care! Thankfully, Sarah Hale appeared. More steadfast than Plymouth Rock, this lady editor knew the holiday needed saving. But would her recipe for rescue ever convince Congress and the presidents? Join acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson on a journey of a woman and a pen that spanned four decades, the Civil War, and five presidents, all so you could have your turkey and eat it too!

Craft ideas:

• Write a letter thanking Sarah for Thanksgiving, telling her why you are happy it's a holiday (or why not if you are not), and illustrate.
• Write a letter to the President about something that you think is important or something that "curdles your gravy."
• Draw a picture of Thanksgiving, with pictures of everything for which you are thankful.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!