America Gives Thanks

Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
Hardcover
$19.99 US
On sale Aug 05, 2025 | 48 Pages | 9780593658819
In this standalone sequel to America's Dreaming, New York Times bestselling author Bob McKinnon and illustrator Thai My Phuong craft a lightly magical autumn story about how complaining can create positive change.

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 becomes upset. Their teacher, Mr. Downs, uses this moment as a learning opportunity: sometimes complaining can actually be useful

As the class walks through historic halls like the Supreme Court and visits celebrated monuments like the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial, figures come alive for America (is that portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg winking?), offering tales on how complaining can lead to justice, freedom, and long-lasting change. For that, America is so thankful.

The reader never sees our protagonist on the page in an effort to illustrate how we can all be more like America: passionate, empowered, and grateful.
© 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

About

In this standalone sequel to America's Dreaming, New York Times bestselling author Bob McKinnon and illustrator Thai My Phuong craft a lightly magical autumn story about how complaining can create positive change.

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 becomes upset. Their teacher, Mr. Downs, uses this moment as a learning opportunity: sometimes complaining can actually be useful

As the class walks through historic halls like the Supreme Court and visits celebrated monuments like the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial, figures come alive for America (is that portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg winking?), offering tales on how complaining can lead to justice, freedom, and long-lasting change. For that, America is so thankful.

The reader never sees our protagonist on the page in an effort to illustrate how we can all be more like America: passionate, empowered, and grateful.

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