By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 17, 2010
There appears to be quite slim pickings when it comes to children’s books that relate to Kwanzaa—did you hear that children’s book authors? However, there are definitely enough to satisfy the needs of anyone looking to teach the history, meaning, and/or spirit of Kwanzaa.
My First Kwanza Book
by Deborah Chocolate (Author), Cal Massey (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; Reprint edition (October 1, 1999)
Source: Library
Publisher’s synopsis: During the last week of December, Kwanzaa is a time to dress up in African clothes and gather together with relatives from all over the country. Grandma brings special things to eat, Grandpa lights the candles, and everyone in the family celebrates their heritage.
Note: Told through the story of a boy, this book offers a great introduction to Kwanzaa and its festivities. Brief explanations of the seven principles of Kwanzaa can be found at the back of the book, along with a glossary of words used during this season.
Add this book to your collection: My First Kwanza Book
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
by Angela Shelf Medearis (Author), Daniel Minter (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1, 2000)
Source: Library
Publisher’s synopsis: In an African village live seven brothers who make life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread or they will be turned out as beggars.
Note: This book captures the spirit of Kwanzaa by using the seven principles of Kwanzaa to tell the story of a family who work together to better their whole community. The woodcut illustrations are sensational.
Add this book to your collection: Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
The Gifts of Kwanzaa
by Synthia Saint James
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 1, 1994)
Source: Library
Publisher’s synopsis: With bold and colorful paintings and simple, straightforward text, the author explains the Kwanzaa holiday.
Note: The initial introduction on the first page gives a round-up of Kwanzaa, from its beginnings to where it is now celebrated—it’s a good but brief intro before the child narrator steps in to share the informative details of the celebration.
Add this book to your collection: The Gifts of Kwanzaa
All New Crafts for Kwanzaa
by Kathy Ross (Author), Sharon Lane Holm (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: First Avenue Editions (August 15, 2006)
Source: Library
Note: A collection of projects for Kwanzaa celebrations.
Add this book to your collection: All New Crafts for Kwanzaa
You may also like: My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz, The Story of Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington, and The Children’s Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday by Dolores Johnson
3 Comments
My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz is also good for preschoolers. It’s easy enough for preschoolers to follow and not get bored with. I wish writers would make more “fun” Kwanzaa books. A lot of these books are too straightforward and serious in tone.
You’re right. There isn’t a huge selection to choose from—and there really should be more fun and vibrant titles added to this holiday genre. I’m sure we’ll see some in the future.
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