Book excerpt: Inspired by her father, who fought in the American Revolution, and desiring a better world for her children, Sarah Josepha Hale sought to leave behind a legacy of what it means to be an American, a woman, and an all-around good person. She opposed slavery, advocated for education for girls, became the first female magazine editor, and was a pioneer for women today. Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned for nearly forty years to have the nation come together, set aside differences, and collectively celebrate one day to give thanks. With the help of Abraham Lincoln, that dream became a reality, and each November, we now have the national holiday known as Thanksgiving. Told in the canter of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," which was written by Sarah Josepha Hale, Sarah Had a Little Plan is the story of how a single mother of five in the Civil War era championed a message of unity and peace.