0
    • Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image Look inside

    America Gives Thanks

    Author Bob McKinnon
    Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
    Look inside
    Hardcover
    $19.99 US
    Penguin Young Readers | Penguin Workshop
    10.44"W x 10.37"H x 0.35"D  
    On sale Aug 05, 2025 | 48 Pages | 9780593658819
    Preschool - 3
    Reading Level: Lexile 780L | Fountas & Pinnell N
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    See Additional Formats
    In this stand-alone companion to America’s Dreaming, New York Times bestselling author Bob McKinnon and celebrated illustrator Thai My Phuong craft a beautiful, sweeping story about the importance of speaking up for what really matters.

    Have you ever wondered why people complain so much?

    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 is confused. Their teacher, Mr. Downs, uses this as a learning opportunity: sometimes complaining—when done right—can actually be useful.

    As the class walks through historic halls like the Supreme Court and around the National Mall where they visit celebrated monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, historical figures come alive for America (that portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is definitely winking). Each figure offers tales on how complaining can lead to long-lasting change and hope for a better world. For that, America is so thankful.
    © Carly Jara
    Bob McKinnon lives in a village north of New York City with his wife, three daughters, and dog—who makes him feel very welcome every time he steps through the door. He is the author of the New York Times best seller Three Little Engines a modern retelling of the classic The Little Engine That Could story. Bob writes and teaches about issues related to the American dream and directs an organization whose mission is to inspire people to reflect on who and what has contributed to where they end up in life. Learn more about his work and his own American dream story at www.movingupusa.com.

    Thai My Phuong is a Vietnamese illustrator who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She has a deep passion for visual storytelling and teaching for international publishers, magazines, brands, and universities. Phuong currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband. View titles by Bob McKinnon
    Thai My Phuong View titles by Thai My Phuong
    A Barbara Bush Foundation Recommended Read

     "This installment continues the series’ emphasis on introspection, growth, and belonging, now framed within a civic context. It offers young readers a nuanced message: disagreement and discourse are not only inevitable in a democracy, but necessary. VERDICT A rich and visually layered book that encourages readers to see their voices as part of the American story." —School Library Journal, starred review
    additional book photo
    additional book photo
    additional book photo
    additional book photo
    additional book photo

    About

    In this stand-alone companion to America’s Dreaming, New York Times bestselling author Bob McKinnon and celebrated illustrator Thai My Phuong craft a beautiful, sweeping story about the importance of speaking up for what really matters.

    Have you ever wondered why people complain so much?

    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 is confused. Their teacher, Mr. Downs, uses this as a learning opportunity: sometimes complaining—when done right—can actually be useful.

    As the class walks through historic halls like the Supreme Court and around the National Mall where they visit celebrated monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, historical figures come alive for America (that portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is definitely winking). Each figure offers tales on how complaining can lead to long-lasting change and hope for a better world. For that, America is so thankful.

    Author

    © Carly Jara
    Bob McKinnon lives in a village north of New York City with his wife, three daughters, and dog—who makes him feel very welcome every time he steps through the door. He is the author of the New York Times best seller Three Little Engines a modern retelling of the classic The Little Engine That Could story. Bob writes and teaches about issues related to the American dream and directs an organization whose mission is to inspire people to reflect on who and what has contributed to where they end up in life. Learn more about his work and his own American dream story at www.movingupusa.com.

    Thai My Phuong is a Vietnamese illustrator who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She has a deep passion for visual storytelling and teaching for international publishers, magazines, brands, and universities. Phuong currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband. View titles by Bob McKinnon
    Thai My Phuong View titles by Thai My Phuong

    Praise

    A Barbara Bush Foundation Recommended Read

     "This installment continues the series’ emphasis on introspection, growth, and belonging, now framed within a civic context. It offers young readers a nuanced message: disagreement and discourse are not only inevitable in a democracy, but necessary. VERDICT A rich and visually layered book that encourages readers to see their voices as part of the American story." —School Library Journal, starred review

    Photos

    additional book photo
    additional book photo
    additional book photo
    additional book photo
    additional book photo

    Additional formats

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
    General

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

    Read more

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    General
    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Book covers: 9780593699058 ROAR (PYR) 9780593902813 BING’S CHERRIES (RHCB) 9780241743751 A KID’S BOOK ABOUT FIRST-GENERATION IMMIGRANTS (DK) 9781774882009 BROKEN (Tundra)
    English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

    Read more

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Penguin Random House Elementary Education

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)