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erine's review against another edition
3.0
This book surprised me when I saw it on a website of ‘bad’ books about Native Americans. That was some time ago, and I can no longer find that website, but I thought I’d look at this book anyway. As I read it, I was increasingly surprised because the final illustration of Thanksgiving is incredibly diverse. I could spot a wide variety of colors and cultures, genders and clothing. It looked as though the illustrator was trying to be as inclusive and representative as possible.
It is the very first illustration that caused the stir on the Native American website. This one depicts the Native people showing up at the Pilgrims’ door with turkey and veggies in hand. I believe the objection was that the Natives appeared servile and naïve, and there may have been inaccuracies in the way the Natives are dressed as well. I was able to find an article in School Library Journal that discusses the general inaccuracy of this depiction of the first Thanksgiving. Knowing that often the author doesn’t have a say about who illustrates the book or how, it makes me think about who is ultimately responsible for screening books like this.
I found this story interesting and the illustrations engaging, but realized that I’m going to have to have a better eye out for stereotypes, because it didn’t really register with me when I first read through this book.
It is the very first illustration that caused the stir on the Native American website. This one depicts the Native people showing up at the Pilgrims’ door with turkey and veggies in hand. I believe the objection was that the Natives appeared servile and naïve, and there may have been inaccuracies in the way the Natives are dressed as well. I was able to find an article in School Library Journal that discusses the general inaccuracy of this depiction of the first Thanksgiving. Knowing that often the author doesn’t have a say about who illustrates the book or how, it makes me think about who is ultimately responsible for screening books like this.
I found this story interesting and the illustrations engaging, but realized that I’m going to have to have a better eye out for stereotypes, because it didn’t really register with me when I first read through this book.
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
Laurie Halse Anderson shows that she's not just a YA writer with this humorous and informative look at the tough (but always genteel) Sarah Hale, who made full use of the power of the pen in a time when women were supposed to be seen but not heard.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
I appreciate books about strong, independent women and this is certainly one of those. My elementary listeners were impressed by her persistence in writing to so many presidents and being shot down, but then continuing to try again. Another great book to bring a wider perspective to the Thanksgiving holiday.
ellwynautumn's review against another edition
5.0
Book Summary
In a humorous and bold fashion, Thank You, Sarah, tells the true story of author and editor, Sarah Josepha Buell Hale: a remarkable woman who used her pen to start a movement that saved Thanksgiving from obscurity and convinced Abraham Lincoln to declare it a national American holiday.
Review:
A delightful and informative read that children will enjoy. The story and illustrations are often comical without compromising the complexities of American history and the universal message of unity, perseverance, and activism.
In a humorous and bold fashion, Thank You, Sarah, tells the true story of author and editor, Sarah Josepha Buell Hale: a remarkable woman who used her pen to start a movement that saved Thanksgiving from obscurity and convinced Abraham Lincoln to declare it a national American holiday.
Review:
A delightful and informative read that children will enjoy. The story and illustrations are often comical without compromising the complexities of American history and the universal message of unity, perseverance, and activism.
maureen_fox's review against another edition
1.0
I was looking forward to the story of the woman who persuaded President Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. Perhaps her something about her childhood, or why she took up the cause.
What I got was another Victorian-style love fest about a fictional, romanticized past - including pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce (*cringe*)! The illustrations on the first few pages alone were enough to make me want to throw the book across the room.
Anderson is a celebrated historical fiction author, who should know much better than to write tripe like this without better research.
Do better!
If we eliminate the first several pages, all the nonsense about a Thanksgiving Superhero, and begin with Sarah's home life, perhaps this could be a 2 or 3 star book.
What I got was another Victorian-style love fest about a fictional, romanticized past - including pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce (*cringe*)! The illustrations on the first few pages alone were enough to make me want to throw the book across the room.
Anderson is a celebrated historical fiction author, who should know much better than to write tripe like this without better research.
Do better!
If we eliminate the first several pages, all the nonsense about a Thanksgiving Superhero, and begin with Sarah's home life, perhaps this could be a 2 or 3 star book.
the_lobrarian's review against another edition
- Illustrations are India ink, colored inks, watercolor and goache on 140 lb. Arches cold-pressed paper
laurenpedersen's review against another edition
4.0
“The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving” is the story of 30+ years of persistence toward a goal. This woman pleaded her cause with five different U.S. Presidents!
mariahroze's review against another edition
5.0
This was GREAT! And so educational. My students and myself learned a lot :)
hldavids's review against another edition
4.0
This book tells the tale of Sarah Hale, Civil War Superhero, the woman who saved Thanksgiving. Sarah's crusade took 38 years and lasted through 4 presidencies. She used the tool/weapon of her pen with her persistence. Finally, Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.
The author's notes provide more information on Sarah and encourage students to use Sarah as an example and use their pens to exact change. Indeed, although students cannot vote - they have the power for their voices to be heard through words.
The author's notes provide more information on Sarah and encourage students to use Sarah as an example and use their pens to exact change. Indeed, although students cannot vote - they have the power for their voices to be heard through words.