America Gives Thanks

About America Gives Thanks

In this standalone sequel to America’s Dreaming, New York Times bestselling author Bob McKinnon and illustrator Thai My Phuong craft a lightly magical autumn story about how complaining can create positive change.

America is very excited for their class’s upcoming field trip to Washington, DC. But when the other kids start complaining about how not excited they are, America becomes upset. Their teacher, Mr. Downs, uses this moment as a learning opportunity: sometimes complaining can actually be useful. 

As the class walks through historic halls like the Supreme Court and visits celebrated monuments like the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial, figures come alive for America (is that portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg winking?), offering tales on how complaining can lead to justice, freedom, and long-lasting change. For that, America is so thankful.

The reader never sees our protagonist on the page in an effort to illustrate how we can all be more like America: passionate, empowered, and grateful.