Claudia and the First Thanksgiving
#91 of 131 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
on Goodreads (696)
What’s inside...
Claudia and the First Thanksgiving follows Claudia's journey to prove that the Pilgrims did not celebrate the first Thanksgiving. She gathers evidence and support from her friends, culminating in a unique Thanksgiving celebration. Additionally, Claudia faces challenges while writing a Thanksgiving play with unconventional themes for a third-grade class. Some parents object to the content, forcing Claudia to decide between compromising her vision or standing up against censorship.
Character compass
Claudia Kishi
Discussion points
What do you think Claudia learned about the history of Thanksgiving in this story?
Why is it important to understand different perspectives, like Claudia does in the book?
How did the characters in the book show teamwork and collaboration?
What are some ways that Claudia showed leadership during the project?
How do you think celebrating Thanksgiving helps bring people together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Claudia's shoes and explore how they would feel dealing with the challenges Claudia faces.
Discuss the importance of understanding historical events from various viewpoints, highlighting how it contributes to a fuller understanding of history.
Use examples from the book to talk about the value of teamwork and ask your child about times they have worked as part of a team.
Point out instances of leadership in the story and relate them to real-life scenarios where your child could demonstrate leadership.
After reading, consider planning a family activity that celebrates togetherness, akin to the Thanksgiving spirit in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of cooperation
Explanation: Claudia and her classmates work together to research and create a Thanksgiving exhibit, demonstrating teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group projects at school or collaborating with siblings at home to complete tasks.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing challenges, Claudia continues to push forward with the Thanksgiving project, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily on their assignments or hobbies, even when they face difficulties.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book delves into the different viewpoints surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, encouraging critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and consider multiple perspectives in discussions, enhancing their empathy and social skills.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for history
Explanation: Through their project, the characters explore the historical aspects of Thanksgiving, sparking interest in history.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore and learn more about their own cultural or family histories.