The First Thanksgiving: Historical Fiction, Picture Book

The First Thanksgiving, written by Jean Craighead George and illustrated by Thomas Locker

Publisher: Puffin Books

Pages: 32

Genre: Historical Fiction, Picture Book

Rating: Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down

Through the pictures and text within this book, the reader goes on a journey to Plymouth Rock. We then are taken through the hard times of the early settlers and natives. We gain a glimps of the climate, Indians (Native Americans), Pilgrims, forced slavery, disease and death. We are also told how Squanto shared ancient planting methods to help feed the failing population. Eventually, there is a Harvest Celebration - or The First Thanksgiving.

I really enjoyed the artistry of the illustrator and felt that the pictures would make children curious and want to know more. In this way, the book was a "Thumbs Up." However, I did not feel the writer did a very good job in connecting the various topics, until the end of the book. This would lose the readers interest, in my opinion, and resulted in me rating it a "Thumbs Down."

Anne of Green Gables: Historical Fiction, Intermediate

Anne of Green Gables, written by L.M. Montgomery

Publisher: Random House, Inc.

Pages: 297

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: Thumbs Up!!

This is the story of an imaginative 11 year old orphaned girl, Anne Shirley, who is eventually adopted by (older and unmarried) brother and sister, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. The siblings wanted a boy to help work the farm in Avonlea that they have on Prince Edward Island, but fall in love with Anne. The story goes on through the eyes of Anne and her trials faced in gaining family, neighbors, friendship, education and acceptance of herself.

I love this book for the ease of reading, the fun of the story and the off-the-wall imagination of the main character, Anne. This is a story that all can enjoy, especially those with red hair. For these reason it gains a "Thumbs Up!!" from me.