Reading List: Happy Kwanzaa

Celebrated from December 26 to January 1 each year, Kwanzaa is a Pan-African and African-American cultural holiday that was established in 1966. The seven-day holiday was created as a celebration of the African-American family and community by Dr. Maulana Karenga.

	Kevin’s Kwanzaa By: Lisa Bullard Illustrated by: Constanza Basaluzzo Kevin is excited for his turn to light the candles on the last night of Kwanzaa, and as he narrates through the week of Kwanzaa, readers learn about the origins, purpose, and rituals of this holiday.
	Imani’s Gift at Kwanzaa By: Denise Burden-Patman Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper Imani learns about Kwanzaa, the African American harvest festival, from her grandmother and makes friends with Enna, a girl who has never been to a Kwanzaa celebration before.
	Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa By: Donna L. Washington Illustrated by: Shane W. Evans L’il Rabbit searches for a gift for his grandmother when she is sick during Kwanzaa and surprises her with the best gift of all. Includes “The Nguzo Saba – The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.”
	My First Kwanzaa By: Karen Katz A girl describes how she and her family celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa.
	Seven spools of thread : a Kwanzaa story By: Angela Shelf Medearis Illustrated by: Daniel Minter When they are given the seemingly impossible task of turning thread into gold, the seven Ashanti brothers put aside their differences, learn to get along and embody Kwanzaa’s principles. Includes information on Kwanzaa, West African cloth weaving, and instructions for making a belt.
	The Sound of Kwanzaa By: Dimitrea Tokunbo Illustrated by: Lisa Cohen Hear the words, sing the songs, dance to the beat, and shout “Harambee!” as you jump into this joyful celebration of the sounds of Kwanzaa! Lively verse and colorful illustrations guide you through the seven principles of this festive holiday.