Fans pick 37 books like Of Plymouth Plantation

By William Bradford,

Here are 37 books that Of Plymouth Plantation fans have personally recommended if you like Of Plymouth Plantation. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Thanksgiving in the Woods

Melanie Kirkpatrick Author Of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience

From my list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful.

Why am I passionate about this?

My idea for a book about Thanksgiving was born in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I was in downtown Manhattan that awful morning on my way to my office at the Wall Street Journal, directly across from the World Trade Center. I stood on the street and watched the towers fall. Two months later, as Thanksgiving approached, I found myself reading William Bradford’s first-person account of the First Thanksgiving. I wanted to learn more about this little kernel of history and how it grew into a cherished national holiday. I wrote several articles for the Journal about the holiday. Writing a book was the logical next step. 

Melanie's book list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful

Melanie Kirkpatrick Why did Melanie love this book?

There is no better book on Thanksgiving for young children than Phyllis Alsdurf’s Thanksgiving in the Woods, which recounts the true story of the annual holiday dinner that a group of family and friends celebrate in the woods of upstate New York. Gorgeous illustrations by Jenny Lovlie evoke the famous First Thanksgiving of 1621, when Pilgrims and Indians enjoyed a three-day harvest feast in the woods of New England. Four hundred years later, the meaning of the holiday remains the same. As Thanksgiving in the Woods explains, Thanksgiving is about faith, family, and friends. 

By Phyllis Alsdurf, Jenny Lovlie (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Thanksgiving in the Woods as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Every year a family and their friends gather in the woods to celebrate Thanksgiving among the trees. Everyone brings something to share and the day becomes a long celebration of family, faith, and friendship. Told in a gentle, lyrical style, this picture book includes warm illustrations of people gathered around bonfires and long tables adorned with candles and food, singing songs and sharing laughter.

Thanksgiving in the Woods is based on the true story of a family in Upstate New York who has hosted an outdoor Thanksgiving feast in the woods on their farm for over twenty years.


Book cover of An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

Melanie Kirkpatrick Author Of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience

From my list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful.

Why am I passionate about this?

My idea for a book about Thanksgiving was born in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I was in downtown Manhattan that awful morning on my way to my office at the Wall Street Journal, directly across from the World Trade Center. I stood on the street and watched the towers fall. Two months later, as Thanksgiving approached, I found myself reading William Bradford’s first-person account of the First Thanksgiving. I wanted to learn more about this little kernel of history and how it grew into a cherished national holiday. I wrote several articles for the Journal about the holiday. Writing a book was the logical next step. 

Melanie's book list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful

Melanie Kirkpatrick Why did Melanie love this book?

I love, love, love this endearing novella by the author of Little Women. It’s Thanksgiving morning on the Barrett Farm in New Hampshire, and Mrs. Barrett is called away to nurse her sick mother in town. Father hitches up the sleigh and off they go to Grandma’s house, leaving eight hungry children behind. The oldest girl declares that she knows how to roast a turkey, and before you know it, she’s talked her skeptical brothers and sisters into helping her make the feast.  Catastrophe ensues, with a lot of fun for the reader along the way.

By Louisa May Alcott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

"You will see what I can do. Ma said I was to use my judgment about things, and I'm going to. All you children have got to do is to keep out of the way, and let Prue and me work. Eph, I wish you'd put a fire in the best room, so the little ones can play in there. We shall want the settin-room for the table, and I won't have them pickin' round when we get things fixed," commanded Tilly, bound to make her short reign a brilliant one.


Book cover of Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America's Favorite Holiday with America's Thanksgiving Expert

Melanie Kirkpatrick Author Of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience

From my list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful.

Why am I passionate about this?

My idea for a book about Thanksgiving was born in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I was in downtown Manhattan that awful morning on my way to my office at the Wall Street Journal, directly across from the World Trade Center. I stood on the street and watched the towers fall. Two months later, as Thanksgiving approached, I found myself reading William Bradford’s first-person account of the First Thanksgiving. I wanted to learn more about this little kernel of history and how it grew into a cherished national holiday. I wrote several articles for the Journal about the holiday. Writing a book was the logical next step. 

Melanie's book list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful

Melanie Kirkpatrick Why did Melanie love this book?

If you’re nervous about fixing Thanksgiving dinner—and who isn’t?—this book is for you. Veteran cooking teacher Rick Rodgers provides an array of excellent holiday recipes along with a step-by-step guide to preparing, cooking, and serving the meal. While his focus is the traditional feast—turkey, stuffing, cranberries, potatoes, pies—he also includes recipes for ethnic and vegetarian favorites. Plus there’s a welcome section on what to do with the leftovers. When it comes to preparing the holiday dinner, my personal Mount Everest has always been the gravy. No longer. Thanks to Thanksgiving 101, my gravy is now rich, smooth, and delicious.

By Rick Rodgers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Thanksgiving 101 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every fourth Thursday of November, Americans open their homes to friends and families. But when was the last time most of us made dinner for such a big crowd? With Thanksgiving 101 by your side, preparing for the holiday will be a pleasure. With step-by-step instructions for classic Thanksgiving dishes, as well as new twists on old favorites, this book will become gravy-stained in its first outing. Whether you're looking for new ways to cook turkey; traditional trimmings, chutneys, or chowders; a vegetarian entrée; or fresh ideas for regional classics, including Cajun-or Italian-inspired tastes, Thanksgiving 101 serves up a delicious…


Book cover of American Cookery

Melanie Kirkpatrick Author Of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience

From my list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful.

Why am I passionate about this?

My idea for a book about Thanksgiving was born in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. I was in downtown Manhattan that awful morning on my way to my office at the Wall Street Journal, directly across from the World Trade Center. I stood on the street and watched the towers fall. Two months later, as Thanksgiving approached, I found myself reading William Bradford’s first-person account of the First Thanksgiving. I wanted to learn more about this little kernel of history and how it grew into a cherished national holiday. I wrote several articles for the Journal about the holiday. Writing a book was the logical next step. 

Melanie's book list on making your Thanksgiving more meaningful

Melanie Kirkpatrick Why did Melanie love this book?

To understand the derivation of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, look no further than American Cookery, the first cookbook written by an American to be published in the United States. The word “Thanksgiving” doesn’t appear in American Cookery, which came out in 1796.  But recipes for the familiar holiday meal are all here: roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cornbread, and potatoes—and, of course, mince pie and pumpkin pie. American Cookery was the first time that most of these recipes appeared in print. So, too, Simmons was the first culinary writer to focus on New World foods, that is, ingredients that would be easily available to most American cooks. It's no surprise that American Cookery is on the Library of Congress’s list of “Books That Shaped America.”

By Amelia Simmons,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked American Cookery as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Amelia Simmons worked as a domestic in Colonial America and gathered her cookery expertise from firsthand experience. Her book points out the best ways of judging the quality of meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, etc., and presents the best methods of preparing and cooking them. In choosing fish, poultry, and other meats, the author wisely advises, "their smell denotes their goodness." Her sound suggestions for choosing the freshest and most tender onions, potatoes, parsnips, carrots, asparagus, lettuce, cabbage, beans, and other vegetables are as timely today as they were nearly 200 years ago. Here are the first uniquely American recipes using…


Book cover of Of Plymouth Plantation

Craig Lancto Author Of All Is Still And Quiet

From my list on to reveal the truth about the Pilgrims.

Why am I passionate about this?

In researching the next book in my Kindred Spirit series I intended to tell the story of the “Angel of Hadley,” which occurred in my hometown. As I researched the topic, I fell into more, and more convoluted rabbit holes. For example, the Indian who led King Philip's War was Metacom, son of the great sachem Massasoit who signed the mutual defense treaty with Governor Carver of Plymouth Plantation when they first met in 1621. The rapid descent from 40 years of peace into the proportionally bloodiest war to take place in what is now America, was spellbinding. And my research continues.

Craig's book list on to reveal the truth about the Pilgrims

Craig Lancto Why did Craig love this book?

The best source of information about the Pilgrim journey from their origin as Puritan/Dissenters in Scrooby, England. Bradford, who would serve multiple terms as governor of Plymouth Plantation, gives the lie to many of our commonly held beliefs about the Pilgrims and their experiences fleeing England, living in Holland, and coming to New England. He is detailed, candid, and very readable. Seeing the story from his first-person point of view helped me to see the Pilgrims as flawed individuals, whether appropriating a tribe's entire cache of seed corn on their first day on Cape Cod, Bradford's being upended in a snare set to trap animals, or their first Indian guest entering the settlement and asking for beer, it is not, ironically, the traditional Pilgrim story.

By William Bradford,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Of Plymouth Plantation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In August 1620, 102 English Separatists set off in the Mayflower for New England.

These men, women and children, who became known as the Pilgrims, would found the Plymouth Colony.

They had to survive harsh winters, poor harvests, disease and famine in the early years of their new settlement.

These struggles were only exacerbated by conflicts they had with other English settlements, French settlers and against Native Americans.

But they persevered in what has become one of the most iconic periods in the history of the United States.

William Bradford, who was Plymouth Colony Governor five times for a period…


Book cover of Of Plymouth Plantation 1620 - 1647

Noelle A. Granger Author Of The Last Pilgrim

From my list on colonial Plymouth.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up in Plymouth, MA, I was steeped in the history of the Pilgrims, eventually working as a tour guide at Plimoth-Patuxet.  After I retired as professor emerita from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I wrote and published a series of mysteries. That experience and my New England background buoyed my confidence that I could write about a Pilgrim woman, keeping true to the history of the Plimoth Colony. The story of Mary Allerton Cushman’s life was the result. It was long-listed for the Devon and Cornwall International Novel Prize. 

Noelle's book list on colonial Plymouth

Noelle A. Granger Why did Noelle love this book?

With an introduction by Samuel Eliot Morison, this is the definitive edition of an American classic. In it, the printed text of Bradford’s remarkable history of the colony that he governed for many years is compared with the original manuscript, presenting his text in a contemporary, readable form. This wonderful story of the early years of the colony told in Bradford’s own words and illuminated with his personality is a must-read for anyone interested in colonial Plymouth. 

By William Bradford,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Of Plymouth Plantation 1620 - 1647 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Modern Library College Editions

William Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation" is a remarkable work by a man who himself was something of a marvel. It remains one of the most readable seventeenth-century American books, attractive to us as much for its artfulness as for its high seriousness, the work of a good storyteller with intelligence and wit. Edited, with an Introduction, by Francis Murphy.


Book cover of Everything is Better Than You Think: How Gratitude Can Transform Your Life

Denise Kiernan Author Of We Gather Together: Stories of Thanksgiving from Then to Now

From my list on gratitude making every day feel like Thanksgiving.

Why am I passionate about this?

Denise Kiernan is a multiple New York Times bestselling author of narrative nonfiction books including The Girls of Atomic City, the Last Castle, and We Gather Together. Throughout her career as a journalist and an author, she has explored underrepresented stories and characters and the impact they have had on history. These stories of the unsung offer fresh perspectives on historical tales we think we already know. At the heart of many of Kiernan’s nonfiction explorations are women from a variety of different backgrounds and time periods. She has devoted her last three books to the history of Thanksgiving and gratitude, writing separate books for all ages.

Denise's book list on gratitude making every day feel like Thanksgiving

Denise Kiernan Why did Denise love this book?

It’s really quite simple: if you focus on negative things, you’ll feel miserable. If you focus on the things that are wonderful in your life, you will feel better. And chances are, you’ve got plenty of wonderful things in your life.

The author of this book is a Maryland pastor, but I don’t think you need to be a Christian to enjoy or even grasp the message of the book. I like that he references the science that has brought gratitude to the masses, and written about it in such a straightforward manner.

By Will Johns,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Everything is Better Than You Think as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Want to feel fully alive? You can feel your best right now by following the simple method laid out in this book. Your life is actually much better than you think it is. It all depends on what you focus on. Order now to find out how you can be your best every day by changing your focus. It is like having a magical set of glasses that you put on each morning. Your entire day will look different when you look at your life through the lens of gratitude. You will begin to notice the good that is already…


Book cover of The Night Before Thanksgiving

Dian Curtis Regan Author Of Fangsgiving

From my list on gather-round-and-share stories for Thanksgiving.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of many books for young readers, ranging from picture books to YA novels and novellas. Where did this book come from? After Scholastic published My Zombie Valentine, it did so well, they asked me to write another "funny/scary" title for Christmas, so I wrote The Vampire Who Came for Christmas. Then they asked me to write another holiday book for the next year, and this time, they gave me a title: Home for the Howlidays. Then, they asked me to write one more funny/scary story, but this time, for Thanksgiving. And again, they gave me the title: Fangsgiving. The books have become known as the Holiday Monster Series.

Dian's book list on gather-round-and-share stories for Thanksgiving

Dian Curtis Regan Why did Dian love this book?

Part of the Twas the Night Before series. This time, it's the night before Thanksgiving. Very fast-paced with funny rhymes and sweet illustrations of a "modern family." There are pies to bake, parades to watch, pilgrim hats to make, and relatives to arrive. Tables are set up, silverware is polished, but where is Uncle Norm? Caught in a storm. Finally, the turkey is done–and dad trips over the dog. Oh, no! But the kids save the turkey from disaster. And, at the last minute, Uncle Norm shows up—so Thanksgiving can finally begin.

By Natasha Wing, Tammie Lyon (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Night Before Thanksgiving as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Gobble Gobble! It's turkey time! Thanksgiving is yet another big moment to be celebrated in Natasha Wing's best-selling series.

Everyone’s favorite fun-filled, family-filled, food-filled holiday is almost here! Follow along as the feast is prepared, cousins are greeted, and everyone gathers around the table, all with an extra helping of holiday fun. This family fun read-aloud makes the perfect gift to get young readers excited for this festive fall holiday!


Book cover of I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids

Dian Curtis Regan Author Of Fangsgiving

From my list on gather-round-and-share stories for Thanksgiving.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of many books for young readers, ranging from picture books to YA novels and novellas. Where did this book come from? After Scholastic published My Zombie Valentine, it did so well, they asked me to write another "funny/scary" title for Christmas, so I wrote The Vampire Who Came for Christmas. Then they asked me to write another holiday book for the next year, and this time, they gave me a title: Home for the Howlidays. Then, they asked me to write one more funny/scary story, but this time, for Thanksgiving. And again, they gave me the title: Fangsgiving. The books have become known as the Holiday Monster Series.

Dian's book list on gather-round-and-share stories for Thanksgiving

Dian Curtis Regan Why did Dian love this book?

Thanksgiving is near! A multicultural family boards a plane and flies to a relative's house for Thanksgiving Day. The main character participates in the shopping, cleaning, pumpkin-picking, and helping Grandma with the pie-making. Big brother comes home from college and together they put a puzzle together. A hike outside showcases the falling leaves in the bright illustrations, and Grandpa takes her to a shelter where they donate bags of food. Ends with tips on how you can be thankful.

By Sheri Wall, Holly Clifton-Brown (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Am Thankful as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Learn about the true spirit of gratitude and Thanksgiving with a storybook for kids 3 to 5

Thanksgiving books for kids teach us about coming together with our loved ones and to give thanks for all that we have. I Am Thankful is an adorable, rhyming storybook that follows three different families as they celebrate the holiday with their own traditions, acts of kindness, and ways of giving back.

Kids will learn how to be thankful for the people and world around them as they delight in the sweet illustrations that show diverse families and exciting Thanksgiving adventures. This heartfelt,…


Book cover of Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving

Wendi Silvano Author Of Turkey Trouble

From my list on Thanksgiving for children.

Why am I passionate about this?

I never knew Turkeys had so much personality—that is until I lived with a family high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, and met their turkey Pavito. When they scraped leftovers into a trough for their dogs, Pavito would come running too (certain that he was just “one of the dogs”). He would chase me around the courtyard or sit nearby making strange gurgling noises. He became the star character in my books. As a teacher and mother of 5, I have seen which picture books young readers respond to best—those they connect to, laugh at, remember, and which hold their attention. 

Wendi's book list on Thanksgiving for children

Wendi Silvano Why did Wendi love this book?

Pete the Cat the First Thanksgiving is on my list because I wanted to include a book that told the story of the origins of Thanksgiving. Sometimes a historical book like that can be a dry read that young readers tune out for. But add in a familiar character like Pete the Cat (who is loved by so many kiddos), give him a starring role in the school play, and the topic becomes something that holds their attention much better.

By Kimberly Dean, James Dean,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Pete the Cat as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author and artist James Dean celebrates the true meaning of Thanksgiving with our favorite groovy cat—Pete!

Starring in your school’s Thanksgiving play would make even the coolest cat nervous, including Pete the Cat! But the show must go on….

With more than ten flaps that open to reveal hidden surprises, Pete the Cat: The First Thanksgiving is sure to be a holiday hit and a favorite for Pete the Cat fans.


Book cover of Thanksgiving in the Woods
Book cover of An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
Book cover of Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America's Favorite Holiday with America's Thanksgiving Expert

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Mayflower, Thanksgiving, and the pilgrims?

The Mayflower 7 books
Thanksgiving 25 books
The Pilgrims 14 books