by Laurie Halse Anderson Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
I love this book. Where do I begin?
First, why haven’t I come across this historical character before? Why is it only at this point in my life that I have come across information on women that have shaped the world around us? To be sure, they lived before my time, then why have they been absent from my life before now?
This book is a short biography about one of these women, Sarah Hale. Among her many contributions and achievements, is Thanksgiving. This women led the movement of making Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Second, this book redefines super heroes. Although real life super heroes do not wear capes and have magical powers, they have powers nonetheless. Their power stems from ability to make positive changes to the world around them. Sarah Hale was one of them. I feel more empowered by these real life heroes than the fictional and believe its important that my daughter is made aware of these heroes.
Third, this books exemplifies a life lesson I try to teach my kid. Don’t give up. My daughter was taken back by how many times Sarah Hale had someone tell her “no”. I was taken back by how long it took her to make Thanksgiving a holiday–38 years! That is determination and perseverance. This is a true story that reiterates the importance of not giving up.
Fourth, I like that it sheds light on the history of this holiday that begin before the Native Americans and Pilgrims celebrated it together. As the author states in the notes at the back of her book, “Celebrations of thanksgiving have been held all over the world for centuries.” To me, giving thanks is universal and important to practice.
Lastly, women throughout history and despite circumstances, have made positive impact--a long lasting impact--to the world around them. It is time we shed light on them.
This book acknowledges that Sarah Hale did not support the Women’s Movement. Despite that, to me, she lived the women’s movement. She advocated for higher educations for women, and lived the spirit of the movement–women have the right to their opinions and the right to choose the life that best fit them.
Other Interesting Fact from the Book:
- Sarah Hale is the author of Mary Had a Little Lamb
- Lincoln is the President that finally said yes to Sarah. He made Thanksgiving a National Holiday.
- Sarah was an editor of a women’s magazine, an author and poet.
- After her husband died, she supported her children.
- Sarah fought for school for girls.
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