Celebrate Kwanzaa

   Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Celebrated from 26 December thru 1 January, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language. For more information visit The Official Kwanzaa web site ( http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/message94.shtml)

Reviews

All New Crafts for Kwanzaa
Kathy Ross
Illustrated by Sharon Lane Holm
   This newest edition in the "All-New Holiday Crafts for Kids" series focuses on crafts that kids can do for Kwanzaa. There are multiple types of crafts, and clear instructions with helpful step-by-step color illustrations. When describing the supplies needed for each craft, the items are not only listed, but an illustration allows young readers to understand what the item is if they do not recognize the name. Also, one craft says to "ask a grown-up to poke a small hole," when it is an activity that could use adult supervision. The first few craft ideas also teach a little about the holiday. For example, the first craft is "woven mat." Above the title the reader can learn that "the mkeka is a mat on which the symbols of Kwanzaa are placed." Nevertheless, when readers get to the crafts at the end of the book, instead of learning more about Kwanzaa or learning why the particular craft relates to Kwanzaa, there are just random sentences. For example, one craft is called a "reminder bookmark." The sentence above that craft reads, "This bookmark is the perfect gift for a friend or sibling who needs help getting library books back on time." There is no mention as to why this craft is in a Kwanzaa book. Although there are many nice craft ideas, the book sometimes lacks the important relevance to Kwanzaa. 2007, Millbrook Press, $25.26. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7613-3401-9
ISBN: 0-7613-3401-7

Celebrate With Blue!: A Book of Winter Holidays
Sarah Albee
Illustrated by Victoria Miller
   Lap readers of this board book can join Joe and Blue as the two television friends visit three families. At Purple Kangaroo's they are celebrating Kwanzaa, at Green Puppy's it is Christmas, and at Orange Kitten's it is Chanukah. The cheerful multi-media illustrations feature the cartoon characters, photos of Joe in various poses of amazement, and collaged items of the holiday. In addition, there are 45 flaps to open which reveal other accoutrements of the season. The little mystery of what Blue wants to build is solved in the end, as well: a snowman with bits saved from each celebration. It is a pleasant way to introduce young children to three winter holidays and then turn them loose to open and close all of those flaps while you enjoy a little time reading your own book. 2005, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, $8.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86837-5

Delivering Justice: W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights
Jim Haskins
Illustrated by Benny Andrews
   Delivering Justice, a picture-book biography of Savannah civil rights leader W.W. Law, is the perfect book to share at Kwanzaa--and all year long. The African American holiday, celebrated December 26, encourages the striving for principles such as unity, collective work, purpose and faith. In simple but powerful language, author Jim Haskins describes Law, a man whose very life exemplified those principles. A letter carrier and advocate for the black community, Law helped with voter registration, organized a successful boycott of Savannah's segregated stores and spearheaded preservation of black historical sites. He recognized the importance of history and, according to the book, often said, "If you don't know where you've been, how do you know where you're going?" Benny Andrews' oil-and-collage illustrations capture the look and feel of the late 1950's. The timeless quality of the art and the dignified tone of the book pay tribute to this gentle man who effected so much positive change. 2005, Candlewick, $16.99. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).

   This biography of W.W. Law, a civil rights activist, uses a simple but effective format. Each spread includes a full page illustration faced by a page of text that begins with a heading, followed by two to three paragraph vignettes. In spare but vivid language we get snapshots of Law's lifelong struggle for the rights of persons of color in the American south. Given that these events took place close to fifty years ago, adults and young readers both are likely to benefit from the early spreads that use Law's childhood experiences to bring home the indignities of segregation. We see that Law's personal non-violent style was rooted in the dignity and resolve shown by Law's grandmother, who raised him. Quickly the story moves on to show how Law's day work as a mailman was balanced by his efforts to organize non-violent protests, such as the boycott of Levy's Department Store in Savannah in 1960. Although many people joined in, we see how Law's persistence in promoting equality for his people, both on the job and off, led to Savannah, Georgia being the first Southern city to declare all of its citizens equal under law, three years before the 1965 Civil Rights Act. The text is spare but vivid. Benny Andrews' illustrations have a folk-art feel that complements this story of how one ordinary man's efforts and adherence to principle can change a history of inequality and injustice. 2005, Candlewick Press, $16.99. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Children's Books 2005: One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2005; New York Public Library; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner 2006 Books for Younger Children United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Emphasis on Reading, 2006-2007; Book List; Grades 2-3; Alabama
ISBN: 0-7636-2592-2

Holiday Fractions
Jennifer Rozines Roy and Gregory Roy
   Friendly jack-o'-lantern faces line up on the cover of this book and invite you to enjoy some holiday fun. Readers can expect to learn about fractions, a part of math that can be difficult. Nevertheless, information offered here pertains to everyday life and makes learning about fractions easy. Slicing a cake, dividing a sectioned candy bar, and cutting pieces in a pumpkin pie are some of the ways fractions are shown visually. Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's, Valentine's Day, and a few national holidays are covered. Photos support the text and show fractions in a clear-cut way. The glossary words "denominator" and "numerator" are defined after readers have had the opportunity to see several fractions. This book is one in the "Math All Around" series. The priority of the whole series is to show how math fits into the everyday world and the finished product does this well. Add the entire series to elementary classrooms and make math fun. 2005, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $25.64. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761420010

Kwanzaa
Marc Tyler Nobleman
   Presented in an easy-reader format, this title is an excellent introduction to the holiday of Kwanzaa. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to encourage African Americans to learn about and pass on the cultural history of people with African ancestors, Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Clear photographs depict the information covered, including the creation of Kwanzaa, the seven principles of the holiday, traditional celebrations of the holiday, and its meaning for people today. Many of the practices, such as lighting candles and incorporating customs from harvest festivals of different African groups, are shared by families all around the world. The seven principles of Kwanzaa--unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith-are also represented by seven main symbols. The symbols include the arrangement of fruits and vegetables to represent the harvest of crops, a straw mat to represent African tradition, the candleholder stands for ancestors, and corn is for the children of the family, the seven candles portray the seven principles, and the seventh symbol is gifts--to show the love between parents and children. The glossary, index, bibliography, and web site information make this an excellent resource for learning about Kwanzaa. This title is part of the "Let's See Library" which includes other holiday titles in the series. 2005, Compass Point Books, Ages 4 to 8, $19.93. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7565-0647-6

Kwanzaa
Jason Cooper
   This volume in the “Holiday Celebrations” series is a short, simply-written, but attractive addition to the growing list of Kwanzaa books for the youngest readers or listeners. It focuses on the family aspect of the celebration and tells more than is usual about Dr. Maulana Karenga, who founded Kwanzaa in 1966, and his hopes for the future of the African-American holiday. Well-chosen color photographs show families in African costume, African dancers, and some of the Kwanzaa symbols like the fruits, corn, the straw mat, and a special holiday cup. The seven principles of Black culture are named, but not explored in depth. Similarly, the candleholder, or kinara, is mentioned, but the ritual of lighting the candles is not described (there is a photo of a woman in African costume lighting several of the black, red, and green candles). Still, kids can learn some of the basic facts about the holiday and may especially like the way the illustrations show children participating in the festivities. Included are a glossary, a short bibliography, and two Web sites to visit. 2003, Rourke, Ages 4 to 8, $19.27. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-5895-2220-6

Kwanzaa
David F. Marx
consultant, Katharine A. Kane
   Many teachers and librarians are familiar with the "Rookie Reader" books. They contain engaging stories and offer kids a chance to move quickly through several levels of independent reading. A new series in this collection introduces early elementary readers to six holidays. The pattern in each book is the same. The opening sentence asks the reader if he or she celebrates the featured holiday. This is followed by a brief history of the holiday and information about the way that it is currently celebrated accompanied by full-color illustrations. In this title, readers learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the ways that African-American families celebrate the holiday. The Swahili words are presented phonetically in the text and then are part of the picture list entitled "Words You Know." There is an index. 2000, Grolier, $19.00 and $5.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-516-22207-4

Kwanzaa
Julie Murray
   Kwanzaa is an appealing holiday because it can be celebrated by people of all religions, it focuses on family and community, and it has so far resisted intense commercialization. This little book in ABDO's "Holidays' series with its large type and attractive color photos does a good job of introducing the African-American holiday to younger readers. Planned and initiated in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga of California State University at Long Beach, Kwanzaa celebrations are based on African harvest festivals and include the use of Swahili words. Children may find it interesting that the number seven is very important to Kwanzaa, since there are seven principles to live by, seven symbols of Kwanzaa, and seven candles to be lit during the seven days from December 26 to January 1. The holiday's purpose and principles are defined; all the symbols are pictured as well, although they are not so designated. The black, red, and green candles are mentioned (without their Swahili name, mishumaa saba), while the ritual order of their lighting is not explained. The basics are here, though, along with a Swahili word guide and a website for links to more information. If parents or teachers want to plan a celebration, they will need to supplement this volume with others; for example, Jessica B. Harris's A Kwanzaa Keepsake (menus and recipes for festive meals) and Dolores Johnson's The Children's Book of Kwanzaa, which includes directions for many hand-made symbols and gifts for the holiday. 2003, ABDO, $21.35. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1-5776-5955-4

Kwanzaa
Dana Meachen Rau
   The history and traditions of this African-American holiday are clearly explained and depicted. The illustrations are an interesting combination of historic paintings and artifacts and contemporary photographs. The holiday is one of recent vintage--1966, and it was created to remind people of African descent of the harvest festivals of long ago. The holiday lasts seven days and each of these is centered around a different principle (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith). There are also seven symbols and seven candles used during the celebration. Like many joyous holidays, there is food, games, music, and a gathering of friends and family. The closing pages list additional books, organizations and Internet sites, a mini glossary, an index and a brief bio about the author. 2000, Grolier, $22.00 and $6.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-516-21517-5

Kwanzaa
Lola M. Schaefer
   One way to understand a different culture is to learn about its holidays. A straightforward text and plenty of full-color pictures explain the history of Kwanzaa, a holiday that was created in 1966 to honor African-Americans. The seven symbols, seven candles, and seven principles are the foundation of this holiday. The closing pages contain a short glossary, a few books and Internet sites and a word list/index. Part of the "Holidays and Celebratrions" series. 2001, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-7368-0663-6

Kwanzaa
Darwin McBeth Walton
   Using real-life, colored photographs, the author clearly explains and illustrates the traditions and symbols connected to the celebration of Kawanzaa. Music, dance, candles, and feasts are all part of the seven-day celebration. Each day's celebration is pictured and explained. The African-American story is briefly told. A picture of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is included. He believed that it was important for African Americans to keep their African customs alive. The book includes a recipe for Benne Cakes and instructions for making a rattle drum as well as a glossary, pronunciation guide, and an index. To encourage further study and research, the book includes a list of books for further reading. (World of Holidays). Nonfiction (394.261), Highly Recommended. Grades 3-6. 1999, Raintree/ Steck-Vaughn, 31p, $15.48. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Donajean Caffey (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 12, No. 3))
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
ISBN: 0-8172-5561-3

Kwanzaa: African American Celebration of Culture
Amanda Doering
   The author has given a brief description of the African-American holiday Kwanzaa, including how it got started and who created the holiday. Africans celebrate the harvest for seven days from December 26th to January 1st. In 1966, Professor Maulana Karenga developed Kwanzaa to celebrate this part of African culture. The celebration is based on seven principles: unity; being responsible for one's self; working together; creating your own business and opportunity; improving yourself; creating beauty; and honoring African leaders, traditions, and culture. Each night for seven days people discuss one of the principles. There are also seven symbols that are exhibited during this time: candles, a candleholder, gifts, a unity cup, corn, other crops, and a mat. Gifts are exchanged on the last night. The gifts are handmade, not gifts that come from a store. The book includes a hands-on project and sources for additional information. Part of the "First Facts" series. 2006, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7368-5390-3
ISBN: 0-7368-5390-1

Kwanzaa Kids
Joan Holub
Illustrations by Ken Wilson-Max
   This “Picture Puffin” introduces the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa to the youngest celebrants. Glossy paper and crayon-bright colors add to the appeal of opening a flap on each of the double-page spreads focusing on one of the seven Kwanzaa principles. Each day has its own special color on which is listed the day, the adult name for the principle, the Swahili name, and a short explanation for children. On the orange page, for example, appear: “DAY 4/Cooperative economics/Ujamaa/(oo-jah-MAH)/We support each other in business.” A picture below shows which of the candles in the kinara would be lighted on this day, while the simple but effective illustration shows a market with Kwanzaa goods for sale, revealing African masks when the flap is opened. It’s that simple, but neatly engineered, and should be fun for young readers to explore, with its black-outlined reds, greens, purples, and yellows catching the eye and leading to the cheery “Happy Kwanzaa!” on the last page. A short glossary of five Swahili words like Harambee and Mkeka is included. 2003, Puffin, Ages 2 to 6, $6.99. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-14-230199-X

Let's Get Ready for Kwanzaa
Joanne Winne
   This is a very basic book on Kwanzaa. It has very limited vocabulary. Each two-page layout features a full-color page with a family scene and a text page. The text pages have only two sentences per page. It is targeted to beginning readers. (Celebrations) Nonfiction (394.261). Grades K-3. 2001, Children's Press, 24p, $13.50. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Linda Halfmann (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 14, No. 4))
ISBN: 0-5162-9571-3

The Rugrats' First Kwanzaa
adapted by Stephanie Greene
from the script by Lisa D. Hall, Jill Gorey, and Barbara Herndon
illustrated by Segundo Garcia
   If you are a Rugrats fan, then this is another book that can be added to your collection. The kids are all over at Susie's house where they learn about Kwanzaa from Aunt T. Susie is feeling a bit depressed because she doesn't seem to be anybody special or embody any of the seven principles that the holiday represents. She is comforted by her friends and her Aunt T, and of course learns that she is indeed a very special and important part of the family and its holiday celebration. I found it a bit annoying that Tommy and others say Kwonzo, especially since the text also contains the more difficult Swahili words sprinkled throughout. The concluding page has a good description of the holiday, related items with pronunciation guides and other facts about this celebration by those of African heritage. 2001, Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon, $5.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-689-84191-4

Santa's Kwanzaa  
Garen Eileen Thomas
from the script by Lisa D. Hall, Jill Gorey, and Barbara Herndon
Illustrated by Guy Francis
   The premise of this story is good--since Santa is done with his job by the time Kwanzaa is celebrated, it should be a good family time in his house. Unfortunately, this book assumes the reader is already aware of the traditions of Kwanzaa and has no expository text to orient the reader. Some of the rhyming text flows awkwardly--"It was time to rejoice in the Santa Kwaz way -/to celebrate Kwanzaa this 26th day/Of December. And then, in a marvelous twist/the elves approached Santa with their very own list." When Santa has tears of joy, he is called a "jolly old sap," not the most flattering term for such an icon. The illustrations are fairly fun--believe it or not, Santa looks good with dreadlocks. There are some jokes in the illustrations--at one point the reindeer and elves are engrossed in a board game, aptly labeled "Reindeer Game" as in the lyrics from "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." The endpapers echo many African textiles, with stylized, repetitive Christmas motifs. 2004, Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, Ages 3 to 7, $15.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 078685166-X

The Seven Days of Kwanzaa
Melrose Cooper
Illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau
   Kwanzaa, an African American and Pan-African holiday, begins on December 26 and continues through to January 1. The reader is briefly introduced to the celebration in this picture book. The author uses a cumulative poetry format to describe this cultural holiday that is rooted in the African harvest festival. The poem seems to have a rhythm and tone that closely resembles a familiar Christmas carol. The rich, warm colors of the illustrations reflect the heartfelt warmth of the celebration of family, community, and culture. This book provides a very rudimentary look at Kwanzaa. On the last page of the book, there is a general description of Kwanzaa. Some of the meaning of the holiday traditions and symbols are mentioned. A pronunciation key would be helpful for the words in Swahili. In order to understand fully the deeper meaning of Kwanzaa, a list of additional resources would be helpful to include in the book. 2007, Scholastic Inc, Ages 4 to 7, $4.99. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-439-56746-6
ISBN: 0-439-56746-7

Seven Spools of Thread : a Kwanzaa Story
Angela Shelf Medearis
illustrated by Daniel Minter
   Seven brothers live with their father in an African village. Their home is filled with constant squabbling and fighting. When the father dies, he leaves the brothers with the dilemma that they will receive no inheritance unless they are able to make gold out of seven spools of colored threads. With his wisdom, the father is able to do in death what he was not able to do in life. The boys all work together, using their seven spools of colored thread to weave a cloth so beautiful that it becomes the desire of kings. The first piece of woven cloth is bought by the king for a bag of gold. Not only do the sons win the inheritance, but also the seven Ashanti brothers teach their people to weave the seven colors into beautiful cloth, and the villagers prosper. Beautiful linoleum block prints bring this Kwanzaa story to life. Information is included on Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles, West African cloth weaving, and gives instructions on how to make a simple belt using straws and yarn. Kente Colors by Deborah Chocolate is an excellent book to use with this story. Grades K and up. 2000, Whitman, Unpaged, $15.95. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Sally Meyers (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 4))
Best Books:
• The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
• Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
• Not Just for Children Anymore!, 2001; Children's Book Council; United States
• Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
• Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
• Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 2000; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2003; Nominee; Louisiana
ISBN: 0-8075-7315-9

Together for Kwanzaa
Juwanda G. Ford
illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
   This informative story teaches the reader much about the practices of Kwanzaa, a holiday celebrating African heritage. The story follows Kayla, a young girl saddened by the fact that her older brother will be forced to miss this year's Kwanzaa celebrations due to a snowstorm that delays him at school. Kwanzaa is a week-long festival. Each night, Kayla's family lights candles and celebrates one of Kwanzaa's seven principles that guide African family life and community life. Kayla shows how her own family practices these principles on the special nights of Kwanzaa and throughout the year. As Kayla's family prepares each night for the holiday, the reader learns about a variety of important Kwanzaa rituals, such as how special table settings are created, how Swahili words and expressions are used (Habari gani, a greeting, discussion about Kwanzaa principles) and the significance of ceremonial objects (kikombe cha umoja, or the unity cup that honors African ancestors). As an introduction to Kwanzaa, this is a fine book. Readers are sure to come away with a greater understanding of the holiday and an appreciation of the similarities and differences between it and other December holidays. 2000, Random House, $8.99 and $3.25. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Michele Coulombe (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-375-80329-7

Winter Lights: A Season in Poems & Quilts
Anna Grossnickle Hines
   The natural world and the seasonal holidays are the subjects of these poems and quilts. There are poems for Christmas, St. Lucia Day, the winter solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Year. Hines's quilts include many symbols of the holidays. "Small Miracles" has a Menorah and a Star of David. "Kwanzaa" depicts a family celebrating near the candles, and a patchwork of Kente cloth is used in the background. An intriguing Christmas tree quilt has two poems, one of which is a poem in the shape of a fir tree. The text for each poem is placed directly on the quilt. Keeping in mind the seasonal "contrast of dark and light, warm and cold," Hines created many of the quilts with a dark background: the text on these pages is white. The poems and quilts created about the natural world capture a child's perspective on the luminous winter sunsets, full moon's light on the snow ("the moon paints pictures/on the blue-white snow"), and the Aurora Borealis. Since poems should be read aloud, this is a book to share. Young children will enjoy the language of the poems as they peruse the illustrations. Older readers and adults with an interest in quilts and quilting will find a good deal of information about the creation of the quilts in the back matter. 2005, Greenwillow Books, $16.99. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 1, 2005; United States
   Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2005; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
   Kirkus Book Review Stars, November 1, 2005; United States
   Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 26, 2005; Cahners; United States
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2005; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-06-000817-2
ISBN: 0-06-000818-0

Updated 11/27/07

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