Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving like no other before it, probably. While the food traditions may be the same, our guests will be fewer as we are advised by the CDC to stay within our “pod” (i.e. those we live with). To quote a social media meme, “This Thanksgiving is about next Thanksgiving.” Still, families and friends are finding new ways to connect and give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Enjoy these books for all ages:

WE GATHER TOGETHER : A NATION DIVIDED, A PRESIDENT IN TURMOIL, AND A HISTORIC CAMPAIGN TO EMBRACE GRATITUDE AND GRACE by Denise Kiernan

From Ancient Rome through 21st-century America, bestselling author Denise Kiernan brings us a biography of an idea: gratitude, as a compelling human instinct and a global concept, more than just a mere holiday. Spanning centuries, We Gather Together is anchored amid the strife of the Civil War, and driven by the fascinating story of Sarah Josepha Hale, a widowed mother with no formal schooling who became one of the 19th century’s most influential tastemakers and who campaigned for decades to make real an annual day of thanks.

THANKSGIVING: HOW TO COOK IT WELL: A COOKBOOK by Sam Sifton;Illustrated by Sarah Rutherford

From the national editor and beloved former food critic at the New York Times comes a smartly-written, accessible, recipe-filled, authoritative guide to Thanksgiving dinner—not just surviving it, but pulling it off in style.

HELP, THANKS, WOW: THE THREE ESSENTIAL PRAYERS by Anne Lamott

It is these three prayers – asking for assistance from a higher power, appreciating what we have that is good, and feeling awe at the world around us – that can get us through the day and can show us the way forward. Lamott recounts how she came to these insights, explains what they mean to her and how they have helped, and explores how others have embraced these same ideas.

FOR YOUNGER READERS

PEYTON PICKS THE PERFECT PIE A THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION (America’s Test Kitchen Kids)

Thanksgiving is our most universal holiday, beloved by adults and children. But Thanksgiving can also be a challenge for young eaters who struggle with new tastes and new experiences. Peyton is the hero of this food lover’s tale from America’s Test Kitchen. She is determined to confront her fear of new foods by finding a Thanksgiving pie she truly likes, even if it’s flaky, lumpy, or chunky.

THANK YOU, HELPERS: DOCTORS, NURSES, TEACHERS, GROCERY WORKERS, AND MORE WHO CARE FOR US by Patricia Hegarty, Michael Emmerson

With all the talk of germs, social distancing, and the pandemic, it’s easy for kids to be confused or overwhelmed. We can reassure by encouraging them to see all the amazing ways people are keeping each other safe. From healthcare workers to delivery people, grocery workers, teachers, and more, kids can learn about the heroes in our communities. With a joyful rhyme scheme made for reading aloud, this is the perfect book to read together and foster an appreciation of those around us. In conjunction with the publication of this book, a contribution will be made by Random House Children’s Books to Americares to benefit health workers.

123S OF THANKFULNESS by Patricia Hegarty, Summer Macon

Whether we’re together or apart, there’s plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Learning the importance of thankfulness is as easy as 1-2-3 with this sweet board book that fosters social emotional development.

THANKS FROM THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle

Perfect for Thanksgiving or any day of the year, this charming book of pictures is the colorful way to tell loved ones “thank you!” Featuring art from the World of Eric Carle, this joyful book follows The Very Hungry Caterpillar and celebrates all that makes us most thankful.