Summary
In the story, Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story, children from the Wampanoag tribe learn about the story of the first Thanksgiving. The members of the Wampanoag tribe call it Keepunumuk, meaning the time of harvest. The story is told from the perspective of Weeâchumun, which is corn, and how Weeâchumun helped new people survive on the land. The members of the tribe helped the new people survive the tough winters by showing them how to grow corn, beans, and squash.
Theme(s):
Community, Hardship, Resolution, Tradition, Acceptance
Personal Response
I liked how the book told the story from the perspective of the corn plant and made the corn plant and seeds a main character in the story. It was refreshing to read a Thanksgiving story that is different from the typical Thanksgiving books that are read. This book included information about the Wampanoag tribe and showed their perspective and story of the first Thanksgiving. The book included beautiful illustrations of the land, animals, people, and plants.
Teaching Ideas
I would include this book when talking about Thanksgiving. This book provides insight on how the Wampanoag tribe experienced the first Thanksgiving. Some lesson ideas include using a Venn diagram to compare Wampanoags and New Settlers or a Venn diagram to compare Thanksgiving Then and Thanksgiving Now. Also, students can research interesting facts about the Wampanoag tribe, using the book and other resources. Students can write journals from the perspective of the tribe and of the settlers.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 02, Grade 03, Grade 04
