After waiting five years for a new Junie. B. Jones chapter book, readers will be excited to read a hilarious Thanksgiving addition to the series.
Junie B. begins the book as she is writing in her journal, anticipating November school activities including the celebration of Thanksgiving. Her teacher, Mr. Scary, announces a school contest, which involves creating a classroom Thankful List.
The students go straight to work thinking about what they are thankful for. The first-grade list consists mostly of food: cranberry jelly in a can, exploding biscuits and Nipsy Doodles top the list. After realizing that their teacher is somewhat disappointed in their list, the class tries to figure out what things grown-ups like (nature) and begin to share their Thankful Bags.
When Junie and her classmate May share their bags, it turns out they bring the same stuffed elephant. This is amazing because the girls couldn’t be more opposite. Mr. Scary uses this situation to discuss similarities and differences between the pilgrims and Indians at the first Thanksgiving celebration.
As in the other books in the series, Junie B. Jones’ voice stands out as the most unique and funny feature of this book. Junie’s grammar is not the best, but that’s okay because she’s only in first grade and her voice reflects her age and maturity level. The story itself is straightforward and easy to retell, especially as Denise Brunkus’ drawings bring the characters to life, punctuating the most important events in the story.
Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (and Other Thankful Stuff)
