Kwanzaa
The CBC Holidays Series explores stories that relate to specific holidays so that readers of all ages can celebrate in the best way… with a good book!
Next week is Kwanzaa (December 26th – January 1st), an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates family and community. Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning first fruits, referring to the harvest celebrations in Africa. These seven days can be celebrated in several ways depending on the family or community, and it is a beautiful cultural holiday full of food, singing, dancing, and storytelling. Each night, one of the kinara candles is lit, signifying each of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
So let’s pick up one of these good books and learn the importance of Kwanzaa and its significance to the African American and Pan-African communities. Happy Kwanzaa!
The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday, written and illustrated by Dolores Johnson (Simon & Schuster / Aladdin) — Nonfiction, Picture Book, Holidays, Background / Culture, Diversity, ages 4-6.
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa With Candles, Community, and the Fruits of the Harvest, by Carolyn Otto (National Geographic Book) — Nonfiction, Picture Book, Holidays, Background / Culture, Diversity, ages 7-12.
K Is for Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book, by Juwanda G. Ford; illus. Ken Wilson-Max (Scholastic Inc) — Fiction, Picture Book, Concepts, Holidays, Diversity, ages 7-12.
Kevin’s Kwanzaa, by Lisa Bullard; illus. Constanza Basaluzzo (Lerner Publishing Group / Millbrook Press) — Fiction, Picture Book, Holidays, Background / Culture, Diversity, ages 4-6.
Kwanzaa Fun: Great Things to Make and Do, by Linda Robertson (Macmillan / Kingfisher) — Nonfiction, Picture Book, How-to / Activity, Concepts, Diversity, ages 7-12.
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Holiday Book for Kids, by Donna L. Washington; illus. Shane W. Evans (HarperCollins / Katherine Tegen Books) — Fiction, Picture Book, Holidays, Background / Culture, Animals, ages 4-6.
My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa, by Lisa Bullard; illus. Constanza Basaluzzo (Lerner Publishing Group / LernerClassroom) — Nonfiction, Picture Book, Diversity, Holidays, ages 4-6.
My First Kwanzaa (My First Holiday), written and illustrated by Karen Katz (Macmillan / Square Fish) — Fiction, Picture Book, Holidays, Background / Culture, Concepts, ages 0-3.
The People Remember: A Kwanzaa Holiday Book for Kids, by Ibi Zoboi; illus. Loveis Wise (HarperCollins / Balzer + Bray) — Nonfiction, Picture Book, Background / Culture, Holidays, ages 4-6.
The Seven Days of Kwanzaa, by Angela Shelf Medearis (Scholastic Inc) — Nonfiction, Picture Book, How-to / Activity, Concepts, Diversity, ages 7-12.
The Story of Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Holiday Book for Kids, by Donna L. Washington; illus. Stephen Taylor (HarperCollins) — Nonfiction, Picture Book, Diversity, Holidays, ages 4-6.
Together for Kwanzaa, by Juwanda G. Ford; illus. Shelly Hehenberger (Random House Book for Young Readers) — Fiction, Picture Book, Holidays, Diversity, Series, ages 4-6.
Celebrate Kwanzaa by reading a book!
List compiled by CBC’s resident holiday expert, Sommer Wissner. Check out other CBC Holiday book lists on our blog.
