Posted in Book And Curriculum Reviews

America’s REAL First Thanksgiving
St. Augustine, Florida, September 8, 1565
By Robin Gioia
Pineapple Press, Incorporated
P.O. Box 3889
Sarasota, Florida 34230

ISBN: 978-1-56164-389-9
www.pineapplepress.com  

Here, in the United States, when we think about the first Thanksgiving - which our elementary history books tell us originated in Plymouth, Massachusetts - we envision the  Pilgrims and Indians merrily feasting on foods like turkey, mashed potato’s, cranberry sauce, corn, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie and a varied assortment of bountiful harvest. However, we hear the real truth about the origins of this blessed holiday through Robin Gioia’s new book, aptly titled, America’s REAL First Thanksgiving.    

In this stunningly illustrated, 48 page hardcover book, Ms. Gioia reveals to us - from her accurate historical research - that the real first thanksgiving was held in St. Augustine, Florida on September 8, 1565 by the Timucua Indians, in honor of  the arrival of  Spanish Explorer, Admiral Pedro Menendez.  Together they feasted on foods such a cocido;  a blend of pork, garbanzo beans and onions. They also may have had venison, alligator, tortoise, along with a variety of vegetables including squash and maize (corn). 

The book begins with beautiful maps of the world in 1565, and then gracefully takes us into the history of  Spain, with its exploration of the new world. Then Ms. Gioia presents a narrative history of Florida, and the Timucua Native American Tribe. From there we head into the real first day of Thanksgiving, in St. Augustine, Florida, and learn about this city, with its rich history up to modern day.  At the end of the book there is a special cocido recipe for you and your family to enjoy, along with a descriptive timeline of events beginning in 1492 and ending in 1621.   

I can’t speak highly enough about the beautiful illustrations in this book.  My daughter, 11 yrs. Old, was mesmerized by the pages and fascinated by the content. We felt as if we were right there celebrating with the Timucua on that first Thanksgiving day. It is suggested by the publisher that this book is for ages 9 to 14 (reading level grades 4-8), however I think this literary find would be great for all ages due to the vibrant illustrations. If we are going to teach our children, let us start with teaching them the “truth” about the real first thanksgiving, and give them a healthy dose of the great history of Spain while we are at it. Add this to the list of books you must read with your family!

Product Review by Kelly Miller, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, July, 2007