About the book

Miguel, a Puerto Rican boy who lives in New York City, receives a turkey from his truck-driver father with a note attached that says: Fatten this turkey for Thanksgiving. I’ll be home to share it with you. Love from Papa. Miguel names the turkey Gracias and quickly falls in love with her. Everyone in the community gets to know Gracias as Miguel takes her on walks with a lease and takes care of his pet. Problems are overcome as she is stolen once and another time gets out of her cage. After the priest blesses Gracias, the family decides there is no way they can eat their beloved amiga for Thanksgiving. She joins them at the table and eats cornbread as they eat chicken.

About the author

Joy Cowley lives in New Zealand where she is a language and reading specialist. She has written more than 600 books for children of all ages, many of which have been honored internationally. Several books have been translated and most are available in countries where English is a first or second language. She is happiest when she is at home in New Zealand with her family, but she also travels around the world to meet teachers and children and hear what they think about her stories. Some of her award winning books include The Cheese Trap, 1996; Red-Eyed Tree Frog, 1999; Ticket to the Sky Dance,1998; Starbright and the Dream Eater, 1999. One book, The Mouse Bride, 1998, has been made into an animated television program in New Zealand. Her official website is www.joycowley.com/

About the illustrator

Joe Cepeda studied engineering at Cornell University and then received a masters of fine arts degree at Long Beach State in California. He now lives in Rosemead, California with his wife and son. He has illustrated for magazines and many books including Gracias the Thanksgiving Day Turkey, 1996; Nappy Hair, 1997; Pumpkin Fiesta, 1998; Koi and the Kola Nuts: A Tale from Liberia, 1999; Mice and Beans, 2001; and The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman, 2003.

Before Reading Activities

Have a group discussion about how a pet can be a friend. Ask the children to share different ways a pet has been a friend to them.
Find Someone Who…

Using the handout (see attached), have the children interview others in the group to find out what they have in common with characters and events in the story. After they have walked around and found someone for each of the topics, facilitate a group discussion and allow children to share their experiences that fit the descriptions.

After Reading Activities

Fortunately/Unfortunately

Have children complete the pattern with events to describe what happened in the story.

Fortunately Miguel’s father gives him a turkey to fatten up for Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately _______________________________________________

Fortunately _________________________________________________

Unfortunately _______________________________________________

Fortunately _________________________________________________

Unfortunately _______________________________________________

Fortunately _________________________________________________

Unfortunately _______________________________________________

Fortunately _________________________________________________

But fortunately ______________________________________________

Facilitate a group discussion allowing children to share how their family celebrates Thanksgiving.

Where do you go?

Who are you with?

What do you eat?

What activities does your family do?

Have children complete a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting their Thanksgiving celebration to Miguel’s family’s celebration. (see attached handout.)

Find Someone Who…

See what your group has in common with the characters and events in the story Gracias The Thanksgiving Turkey. Find a different name for each description.

Find Someone Who…

Has had a bird for a pet. ___________________________

Can find New York City on the map. _________________

Has celebrated Thanksgiving by eating a turkey.

______________________

Has celebrated Thanksgiving by eating something other than turkey. ______________________

Has a mother or father who travels a lot for their job. ____________________

Has had a grandparent who lives with them. _______________________

Has had a pet run away or get lost. ______________________

Has watched a parade. _____________________