Kwanzaa is well underway, so we wanted to share a few great books to help you celebrate. Kwanzaa is a week-long cultural celebration that runs from December 26 to January 1. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a time to reflect on the past, while honoring the present through the Nguzo Saba (seven principles). African American culture is celebrated through unity, community, and faith. Here are several reads to learn more about the holiday.
*Book summaries are from the publishers.
The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi (Bookshop | Amazon)
The People Remember tells the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. It begins in Africa, where people were taken from their homes and families. They spoke different languages and had different customs.
Yet they were bound and chained together and forced onto ships sailing into an unknown future. Ultimately, all these people had to learn one common language and create a culture that combined their memories of home with new traditions that enabled them to thrive in this new land.
Sesame Street Happy Kwanzaa! by Isabel Michaels (Bookshop | Amazon)
Gabrielle and Tamir are excited to celebrate their African American culture—and Elmo is excited to learn all about the holiday. From lighting the candles in the kinara, to discussing the seven principles, and enjoying a family feast, there’s a lot to be excited about! This colorful book with sturdy board pages makes a great Kwanzaa gift for young boys and girls.
The Kwanzaa Story: Celebrating Culture through Community by Alliah L. Agostini (Bookshop | Amazon)
In The Kwanzaa Story, little Alliah (of The Juneteenth Story fame) is all grown up and, along with her husband LeVaur, teaches their children Daphne and Alistair why they celebrate Kwanzaa as a family and as a community. This beautifully illustrated storybook shares the origins of the holiday–rooted in Africa, born in Los Angeles–giving historical and cultural context on how a joyful celebration was birthed after the Watts Rebellion and during the Civil Rights Movement.
L’il Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington (Bookshop | Amazon)
Li’l Rabbit is not having a very good Kwanzaa. Granna Rabbit is sick, and so his family won’t celebrate his favorite part of Kwanzaa this year: a big feast called Karamu.
Li’l Rabbit knows what to do! He’ll find Granna Rabbit a special treat for Karamu so she can celebrate anyway.
Maybe I’m just too little to help Granna Rabbit celebrate Kwanzaa, Li’l Rabbit thinks. Or maybe he just needs a little help from his family and friends.
Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams (Bookshop | Amazon)
Kwanzaa is a holiday steeped in ancestral traditions collected over generations of people across the Black Diaspora. Once Upon a Kwanzaa introduces communities of all colors to the interwoven history and lived experiences connected to this time of year when families and loved ones gather to celebrate, share, and reimagine the past, present, and future. Sawyer Cloud’s stunning artwork showcases seven different BIPOC families and highlights how different peoples of the Diaspora can celebrate in their communities, from setting the table and lighting the Kinara to sharing meals and gathering at events. The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide.
Soulful Holidays by Ciara L. Hill (Bookshop | Amazon)
An inclusive rhyming story celebrating the joys of Christmas and Kwanzaa!
Cozy up together with this charmingly illustrated family book told in easy-to-read memorable rhymes. Through this heartwarming tale, children and families all over the world can experience the magic of Christmas and the true essence of Kwanzaa. Read about the food, songs, cultural decorations, and more! The catchy couplets in this dazzling picture book will delight readers with the inclusive traditions of families who honor one or both of these incredible holidays.
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