This week, November 23, 2023, is Thanksgiving.

This National Native American Heritage Month, we recognize that this observance is deeply entwined with the history of Native people. We invite you, this week and always, to honor Native people in your community and champion Native stories.

Here are a few titles by Native authors to help further readers’ understanding of this holiday and the Native experience.

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer
This children’s book shares a fresh perspective of the Thanksgiving story that honors the Wampanoag people.

Remember by Joy Harjo
This is an illustrated version of US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s “Remember.” The poem urges readers to observe the world around them, and to move forward with greater understanding and gratitude. 

The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History by Ned Blackhawk
This title was recently named the National Book Awards Nonfiction winner. The Rediscovery of America reexamines US history, unearthing how the historical record has largely erased the central presence of Native people in the American past.

• Tuesday, November 21 at 8:00 pm ET: Disability Community Affinity Group
  
• Saturday, November 25: Indies First
• Thursday, December 7 at 2:00 pm ET: Neurodiverse Community Affinity Group
• Monday, December 11 at 2:00 pm ET: LGBTQIA2S+ Affinity Group Meeting
• Wednesday, December 13 at 2:00 pm ET: BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting
• Tuesday, December 19 at 2:00 pm ET: Disability Community Affinity Group
  

1. Indies First on Saturday, November 25
Indies First will take place on Saturday, November 25! 

Spread the word with these Indies First assets. If you still need ideas, check out our list of resources and tips!

And don’t forget to take a look at these publisher specials. Ingram has extended the ordering period to November 24, and Macmillan’s updated listing now includes promo codes.

2. Libro.fm’s Shop Small Sale
Libro.fm’s Shop Small Sale starts tomorrow!

November 22–27, nearly 3,000 audiobooks will be on sale in support of local bookshops. Use these assets to remind shoppers that they can support your store AND grab great audiobooks.

Partner shops can also visit Libro.fm's Bookseller Hub for key links and resources throughout the season.

3. Shop Small with American Express
American Express is encouraging customers to support local businesses this Small Business Saturday.

November 20–25, eligible American Express cardholders can receive a one-time $5 statement credit when they make a single purchase of at least $50 at a participating small business. 

American Express has created a Shop Small Map to help drive traffic to participating local businesses. Fill out this form to be included on the map!

4. Plaid Friday and Cider Monday
Join the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) in celebrating Plaid Friday and Cider Monday. 

5. Grab the Q4 Marketing Calendar
Need more marketing ideas? Check out the Q4 calendar for ideas and copy you can use in your stores and on social media!

6. Jólabókaflóð
Join in on the “flood of books” with this Icelandic holiday that features gifting books and enjoying hot chocolate. Use these assets to share Jólabókaflóð with your customers.

ABA was in DC again last week advocating for the economic needs of independent bookstores. While in town for a Credit Card Competition Act Fly-In, we met with 13 offices, including Senate and House Small Business Committees, to discuss ABA’s full support of the Credit Card Competition Act. We also discussed ongoing antitrust issues and the recent FTC complaint against Amazon.