Molly's Pilgrim

By Barbara Cohen

Part of the Molly series

An immigrant girl finds her place in America through a unique Thanksgiving project.

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,307 ratings

30 pages· 1,972 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Molly, a young immigrant, struggles to fit in as her classmates mock her accent and customs. Her mother's unconventional Thanksgiving project—a doll resembling a Russian refugee—sparks ridicule but also a revelation. As Molly navigates her first Thanksgiving in America, she discovers that true belonging transcends appearances. Can this tiny pilgrim help her classmates see the diverse roots of their shared holiday? Molly's journey reveals that it takes all kinds of pilgrims to celebrate Thanksgiving, challenging her class to embrace a broader understanding of tradition and acceptance.

From the publisher

A modern Thanksgiving classic about an immigrant girl who comes to identify with the story of the Pilgrims, as she seeks religious freedom and a home in a new land.

As Molly nears her first Thanksgiving in the New World, she doesn’t find much to be thankful for. Her classmates giggle at her Yiddish accent and make fun of her unfamiliarity with American ways.

Molly’s embarassed when her mother helps with a class Thanksgiving project by making a little doll that looks more like a Russian refugee than a New England Pilgrim. But the tiny modern-day pilgrim just might help Molly to find a place for herself in America.

The touching story tells how recent immigrant Molly leads her third-grade class to discover that it takes all kinds of pilgrims to make a Thanksgiving. Originally published in 1983, Molly’s Pilgrim inspired the 1986 Academy Award-winning live-action short film.

At a glance

Format: Paperback
Pages: 30
Words: 1,972
Reading age: 6–10
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 590L

Themes & topics

Books about Thanksgiving Books about school Books about America Books about social themes Books about holidays

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.6

out of 7

5.3

“This is a very sweet story about a young girl who moved to a new place and was teased by the other girls in her school. I love to see how she overcame these hardships and how life became sweet for her again.”

Mom of Boys

Trusted reviewer

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