Kwanzaa means "first fruits of the harvest." Unlike the other major winter holidays, Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday. It is an African-American holiday celebrating the importance of community. Beginning on December 26th and ending January 1st, this is perhaps the fastest growing holiday celebrated in the United States.
Kwanzaa is based on Nguzo Saba, or the 7 principles of traditional African living. Umoja (I am we) Ujima (community responsibility) Ujamaa (economic strength of the community) Nia (personal goals that benefit the community) Kuumba (creativity used to benefit the community) and Imani (faith in oneself and one's community) are each celebrated on one day of Kwanzaa.
It was much harder to find interesting, informative children's books on Kwanzaa. While there were several choices for each age group, I tried to choose only those that would be a true benefit to your reading libraries. Good not only to explain Kwanzaa while it is being practiced at home, but to explain to children who don't practice that Kwanzaa is not just "Christmas for black people." (An ISBN is provided for each book, this will make ordering much simpler when going to a bookstore or most online merchants.)
The Gifts of Kwanzaa by Synthia Saint James. For children 4 - 7 years of age. Wonderful illustrations and a story told through the eyes of a small child. Explains the traditions and meanings behind the celebrations. ISBN: 0807529087
Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney. For children aged 7 years and older. Good illustrations and ideas for celebrating the 7 days of Kwanzaa. ISBN: 0803712928
Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Shelf Medearis. Great for reading aloud or early readers to age 10. Folk tale of the creation of Kente cloth, and seven brothers who must learn to get along. ISBN: 0807573159
Have a Happy: A Novel About Kwanzaa by Mildred Pitts Walter. Novel for children aged 9-12. One boy's conflict between Christmas and his birthday is eased by the lessons learned through Kwanzaa celebration. ISBN: 0380713144
Habari Gani? What's the News? by Sundaira Morninghouse. the family of 7 year old Kia make Kwanzaa a part of their holiday season. Winner of Best Children's Book by the Midwest Children's Festival and the Bumbershoot Literary Festival. ISBN: 0940880393
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