A Guide to Kwanzaa Literature

Kwanzaa, a Swahili word that means,"first fruits of the harvest," is a non-religious holiday that celebrates the African American people and their past. The holiday is celebrated in December, starting December 26th and ending on January 1st.

Burden-Patmon, D. (1992). Imani's gift at Kwanzaa. Cleveland, OH: Modern Curriculum Press.

African Americans remember their ancestors and celebrate the values that hold their communities together. (Grades PreK-3).
Call Number: Pj Bur

Chocolate, D. M. N. (1990). Kwanzaa. Chicago: Children's Press.

Discusses the holiday in which Afro-Americans celebrate their roots and cultural heritage from Africa. (Grades 1-2).
Call Number: j 394.268 Cho

Ford, J. G. (1997). K is for Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa alphabet book. New York: Scholastic.

Celebrate Kwanzaa with related words from A to Z, including "Africa," "bendera," "dashiki," and "yams." (Grades PreK-3).
Call Number: j 394.261 For

Gayle, S. (1994). Kwanzaa: An African American holiday. Mahwah, NJ: Watermill Press.

Discover the magic of Kwanzaa, recipes, puzzles and other activities to teach about the customs. (Grades 4-7).
Call Number: j 394.26 Gay

Goss, L. (1995). It's Kwanzaa time! New York: G. P. Putnam's.

Stories, recipes, and activities introduce the holiday of Kwanzaa and the ways in which it is celebrated. (Grades 4-7).
Call Number: j 394.268 Gos

Hoyt-Goldsmith, D. (1993). Celebrating Kwanzaa. New York: Holiday House.

Text and photographs depict how a Chicago family celebrates the African American holiday, Kwanzaa. (Grades 4-6).
Call Number: j 394.268 Hoy

Hoyt-Goldsmith, D.(1996). Mark's Kwanzaa celebration. New York: Holiday House.

Mark and his family prepare to celebrate their African-American culture. Teachers guide included. (Grades 1-3).
Call Number: [Big Book] j 394.268 Hoy

Kimble-Ellis, S.(2002).Traditional African American arts and activities. New York: J. Wiley.

A collection of activities focusing on cultural traditions related to African American history and holidays. (Grades 3-7).
Call Number: Curr. Mats. E185.86 .K56 2002

Madhubuti, S. L. (1989). The story of Kwanzaa. Chicago: Third World Press.

This historical story of Kwanzaa outlines the cultural meaning of the harvest holiday. Teachers guide included. (Grades K-5).
Call Number: Curr. Mats. E 185.89.K9 M3 1989

Marx, D. (2000). Kwanzaa. New York: Children's Press.

Introduces the history, customs, meaning, and celebration of Kwanzaa. (Grades 1-2).
Call Number: j 394.261 Mar

Pinkney, A. D.(1993). Seven candles for Kwanzaa. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Describes the seven-day festival during which people of African descent rejoice in their ancestral values. (GradesPreK-4).
Call Number: j 398.268 Pin

Williams, N. (1995). A Kwanzaa celebration: Pop-up book. New York: Little Simon.

This festive book is a true celebration of a joyous African-American holiday. (Grades PreK-3).
Call Number: [Special Format] j 394.268 Wil

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