Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving [Paperback]

Laurie Halse Anderson (Author), Matt Faulkner (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: September 27, 2005 | Age Range: 5 and up

We the people of the United States...

Almost Lost Thanksgiving

Yes. That's right!

Way back when "skirts were long and hats were tall" Americans were forgetting Thanksgiving, and nobody seemed to care!

Thankfully, Sarah Hale appeared. More steadfast than Plymouth Rock, this lady editor knew the holiday needed saving. But would her recipe for rescue ever convince Congress and the presidents?

Join acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson on a journey of a woman and a pen that spanned four decades, the Civil War, and five presidents, all so you could have your turkey and eat it too!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This tale of a little-known historical heroine touts the power of the pen and persistence. With an irreverent tone ("You think you know everything about Thanksgiving, don't you?") and caricatures that play up past Americans' laissez-faire attitude, Anderson (Speak) and Faulkner (The Amazing Voyage of Jackie Grace) chart the progress of Sarah Hale, whose relentless letters and 38 years of petitioning presidents, secured Thanksgiving's status as a national holiday. A hilarious spread of presidents Taylor and Filmore passing the buck to Pierce (Lincoln finally makes the day official in 1863) typifies the balance of humor and history in this snappy volume. An afterword offers additional delectable facts (e.g., FDR tried moving up the holiday in 1939 and '40 to extend the holiday shopping season; Hale also wrote "Mary Had a Little Lamb"). Ages 5-10.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-Anderson turns a little-known historical tidbit into a fresh, funny, and inspirational alternative to the standard Thanksgiving stories. Alarmed that the observance was dying out since many states did not observe it at all and those that did had no agreement as to date, Sarah Hale began 38 years of letter writing in support of making it a national holiday. Ignored or refused by administration after administration, she persisted until at last, President Lincoln, possibly persuaded by her argument that it would help to reunite the union, declared the fourth Thursday in November as a national holiday in 1863. The writing sparkles and is well matched by the spirited and irreverent caricatures (including Native people and pilgrims with feathers in their headbands and hats). Lively and provocative sentences involve readers. Anderson doesn't state the facts; she reveals them, unveils them, and celebrates them, and her text certainly shows that persistence and eloquence can succeed. Faulkner takes every opportunity to provide visual humor. He draws Sarah and other ladies storming the doors of the state house with a giant quill pen as a battering ram. His busts of recalcitrant presidents and his graphic depiction of the "other things" President Buchanan had "on his mind" convey complex historical concepts while adding to the humorous tone of the book. A "Feast of Facts" gives more information on Thanksgiving, Hale, and the year 1863, and ends with the exhortation: "Pick up your pen. Change the world."-Louise L. Sherman, formerly at Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 27, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068985143X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689851438
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #226,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Thanksgiving

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! September 17, 2002

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

I was delighted to stumble upon "Thank You, Sarah" and was very impressed with its fine illustrations and attention to historical detail. It teaches an important lesson about the history of an important American holiday that nearly wasn't; it shows the importance of perseverance in pushing for change while maintaining faith in your convictions. Most of all, it is a fun read whose pictures will entertain readers of all ages. This well-edited book explores a fascinating chapter in American history that will be interesting for young readers and those reading to them.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars FIVE STARS FOREVER for "Thank you, Sarah" August 28, 2005

By Patricia Watkins, author of BOYD-FRIEND

Format:Hardcover

Yippie-Skippie for Laurie Halse Anderson, a descendant of Sarah Josepha Buell Hale! Laurie seems to be every bit as bold, brave, stubborn and smart as her main character, Sarah. This 2002 juvenile literature has loose Rockwell-like drawings in soft, harvest colors. Each page logically flows into the text with innocence and humor as Laurie tells of her 'heroine with pen' in a uniquely modern, conversational fashion that evokes the spirit of forging ahead into new frontiers. She makes it easy for children to grasp the idea of tackling and persevering a task to get it done right. In Sarah's case, quality took time, something our fast-paced children can't hear enough. It's an eventful book of fact, feelings and hard work that are so necessary for successful results. Boys will have an appreciation for Sarah's fortitude (not just in football season) and girls will be inspired to carry on the overseeing spirit of Sarah. Laurie really makes history a fun read! Thank you, Laurie! You are most kind to carry on the "get-to-it-to-get-it-done" attitude that obviously runs through your veins! The pen IS mightier than the sword.

Patricia Watkins, author of BOYD-FRIEND

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaching about Thankgsgiving June 28, 2004

By Cynthia O'Hora

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Every elementary and middle school teacher who covers social studies, writing, or Thanksgiving should include this book in their curriculum.

Beyond the facts, this book is a lesson in persistence, in the value of writing, and in the capacity of people to influence their world.

The illustrations are delightful and engaging!