Gracias: The Thanksgiving Turkey

Name: Gracias: The Thanksgiving Turkey
ISBN: 9780439769877

For the child who forms deep bonds with animals and struggles with the idea of eating meat, or who is learning how community members look out for one another.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child starts questioning where food comes from, or if they have a heart for protecting animals they consider friends. This story gently explores the tension between tradition and empathy through the eyes of Miguel, a boy who receives a turkey meant for Thanksgiving dinner but chooses to treat it as a beloved pet instead. Set in a vibrant urban neighborhood, the story highlights how a supportive community can come together to validate a child's feelings and help solve a difficult problem. It is an ideal pick for teaching children about compassion, cultural heritage, and the power of speaking up for what you love. The narrative is warm and realistic, making it an excellent bridge for conversations about dietary choices and the bonds we form with the natural world.

Holidays & Seasonal Empathy & Kindness Latin American Culture Friendship & Loyalty Welcoming a New Pet Birds Love & Family Cultural Identity

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

The looming threat of the turkey being eaten creates some emotional tension for the protagonist.

Sensitive Topics

The book addresses the reality of animals as food directly but gently. It is secular in its cultural depiction but includes a scene at a Catholic church for the Blessing of the Animals. The resolution is hopeful and celebratory, finding a peaceful middle ground.