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Joyous Kwanzaa! If you are unfamiliar with this holiday let me give you a VERY brief explanation. Kwanzaa, established in 1966, is the non-religious celebration of African-American community, family and culture. It begins the day after Christmas on December 26th and lasts for 7 days ending on January 1st. It can be celebrated in lieu of, OR alongside other popular winter celebrations, and although it is meant to help African-American’s take pride in their roots anyone is welcome to join in the celebration.
Each day of Kwanzaa has a principle that is meant to strengthen the Black community, and give them something to reflect on for the upcoming year. The principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), Imani (faith). When my kids were younger the Kwanzaa principles (or special words as we call them) weren’t always easy to explain. Trying to help a 3yr old understand Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) was tricky. We said things like “we all work together”, or built a block tower as a family, helps to gain understanding.
Thankfully each year more and more resources and books (and decorations) have come out that make Kwanzaa something young kids can grasp right away. From local African dance performances, to lighting the Kinara, to homemade gifts, and of course the final gathering, the Karama, there is a lot of joy to be had during these 7 nights.
Here are 12 books to read during this celebration and beyond:
The People Remember
by Ibi Zoboi
This is my Number one recommendation for Kwanzaa this year. From New York Times Best selling author comes a gorgeous sprawling long format book. It starts with African-American history in AFRICA, and using the 7 principles of Kwanzaa ask readers to remember the history of Black people in American. From the heart breaking middle passage, to enslavement, emancipation and into the civil rights era and beyond. This poetic book is simply beautiful.
Africa Amazing Africa
by Atinuke
This 80 page cartoon illustrated guide by well known Nigerian author Atinuke is a non-fiction wonder! It’s so bright and colorful and goes into detail on each of the Africans 54 countries. With fun facts about plants, wildlife, people and customs you’ll be referencing this one, well after Kwanzaa for sure.
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington
This is one of the first Kwanzaa books we grab to read in this house. It tells the adorable tale of Li’l Rabbit. He loves to celebrate Kwanzaa but everyone in his family says he’s to small to help set up. When Granna Rabbit falls sick it looks like Kwanzaa is going to be cancelled so Li’l Rabbit goes out into the meadow to find something special to cheer her up. He keeps meeting friends along the way, most of them don’t know anything about Kwanzaa but all want to help Granna who is a staple in the community. This book has the 7 principles of Kwanzaa woven throughout and is a great way of actually showing each principle in action.
Room for Everyone
by Naaz Khan
This is hands down one of my favorite picture books of 2021. Set in the city of ***** it takes a hilarious spin on the classic scenario of people piling onto a bus. From smelly feet and smelly fish, to large umbrellas and diving school students, there is room for everyone on this bus and you need to make room for this book on your bookshelves.
The Me I Choose To Be
by Natasha Tarpley
Natasha Tarpley writes a lyrical affirming book celebrating all the things a little one could grow up to be. This one is a winner because I am such a huge fan of the unbelievable creativity behind the husband and wife team of Kahran and Reggie otherwise known as Creative Soul. Their child centered portrait photography in this book, as always, is stunning.
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
by Angela Shelf Medaris
‘In an African village live seven brothers who make family 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. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or “seven principles” of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community.’
Santa’s Kwanzaa
by Garen Eileen Thomas
Santa’s had a great Christmas Eve delivering presents but he’s really tired and ready to head home to the North Pole. What should be waiting for him when he get’s there? A Kwanzaa celebration, with food, family and his kente bathrobe and slippers. This is such a fun book to imagine how Santa (or Kente Claus) spends the day(s) after Christmas.
K is for Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book
by Juwanda G. Ford
One of the first Kwanzaa books we ever came across. It’s a gem for it’s simplicity of introducing Kwanzaa related words from A to Z, like A is for “Africa,” B is for “bendera,” D is for “dashiki,”. So fun!
Kevin’s Kwanzaa
by Lisa Bullard
I love the cloverleaf series of non-fiction books. This is a VERY simple explanation of Kwanzaa with bright, cheerful illustrations. This book also short chapters (great for little attention spans), a glossary of words, a craft and a reference section for other resources. This one is perfect for the classroom or if you need to learn about Kwanzaa right along with your little person.
I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration For Black Kids
by Nyasha Williams
This book has wonderful illustrations and powerful letter specific affirmations. A is for afro, K is for kwanzaa. Because of the length of the book and how affirmations need to be repeated for maximum effect I can see this book as a reference book for daily inspiration. It would be great to pick a letter and then have your child repeat that affirmation throughout the week. There are so many possibilities with this one.
Soulful Holidays
by Ciara L. Hill
Like many African-American families we celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa. Aside from Santa’s Kwanzaa this is the only other book that acknowledges the holiday season with dual celebrations and how they overlap. I love that words like collard greens and spades are woven into the rhyming verses, as we see a family come together to love on and enjoy each other!
My First Kwanzaa
by Karen Katz
This board book, part of a series of “My First Holiday” books is sure to please your littlest Kwanzaa celebrator. This book simply explains all of the details of a Kwanzaa celebration with the joy and enthusiasm of a small child. I also love the patterned illustrations in this one. We have several Karen Katz books that are still enjoyed in this house now, even though my girls are into the early elementary years.
