She’s best known for a ditty that young children sing but she was an activist who made sure that there was a national day of thanksgiving.
Sarah Josepha Hale lived in the 19th century, wrote the poem, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and other works for adults. She also wanted to make Thanksgiving a consistent celebration in all states.
Hale urged numerous U.S. Presidents over the course of more than a decade to do so. But it was Abraham Lincoln who saw the value in unifying a country engaged in a civil war and declared Thanksgiving a holiday to be celebrated across the country on the same day.
There’s still value in coming together to remember all that there is to be thankful for.
We may find A Little Peace in unexpected places; after all we have One World, One Day . Thanksgiving can be a time to build memories of when The Relatives Came or remember 1621: A New Thanksgiving .
So Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving — it was your tenacity that helped bring the country together for a day and to whom we owe this week’s celebration!
About the Author
Reading Rockets’ children’s literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
Publication Date
November 21, 2011