Kwanzaa

by Deborah M. Newton Chocolate, Melodye Benson Rosales (Illustrator)

Discusses the holiday in which Afro-Americans celebrate their roots and cultural heritage from Africa.

Genres: Picture Books

31 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1990

About the author

Debbi Chocolate is the author of numerous popular and award-winning books for young readers, including Talk, Talk, for which she received the Parents CHoice Award; On The Day I Was Born, a Children's Book Council Notable selectiom; and Neate to the Rescue!

Reviews

[Madison Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a family getting ready for and celebrating Kwanzaa. Many of the traditions, not just of this family, but also of the entire holiday of Kwanzaa are explained in this book. The story explains the origins of the holiday and the symbolism of each part of the seven days of celebration.

This would be perfect for a study on other cultures. It would also be good to explain why some students celebrate holidays other than or alongside of Christmas. I would love to use this in my class room around the holiday season to open my students eyes on other cultures and holidays.

[Nikki Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informational realistic fiction book. As the little girl celebrates the holiday of Kwanzaa, she gives us information on the holiday as well. This story intrigues children because it provides a plot with a use of language that is age-appropriate that entices students to think, question and reconsider the world around them. The characters are realistic and convincing. The illustrations correspond to both the text and the setting, plot, and characters; and hold interest to the reader, which enhance and add to the story. The lives of the characters are genuine and complex, and their speech in the story is true to the culture and oral tradition of the African-American Jewish community. The characters are not presented in a negative light; therefore, no negative stereotypes are represented. The only word and/or phrases that children will need helping reading are the words that are specific to a culture, and do not follow English language rules. Both the illustrator and author come from African-American Jewish backgrounds, so their knowledge is accurately represented, and from personal experiences.

[Genny Flett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subtopic: Kwanzaa

Genre: Fiction- Realistic

Topics: Family, African American culture and traditions

Synopsis: This story is told by a young boy and describes his experience with the Kwanzaa traditions. He goes through each day and explains what is done, what is celebrated, and what different symbols and words stand for. The family comes together to celebrate African's past and present. Gifts are earned by children if they live by the seven principles throughout the year. This book focuses heavily on what Kwanzaa is and the rituals. Very informative!

Chocolate, D. M. (1990). Kwanzaa. Chicago: Childrens Press.

[Janelle Zingaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This narrative tells of an African American family's celebration of Kwanzaa. The narrator, a young African American boy who explains the holiday and how his family celebrates. Each day a different candle is lit to symbolize each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. African vocabulary is included throughout the text and pronunciations and meanings are given as well. I would use this book to teach about Kwanzaa to elementary students and promote cultural diversity during the holiday season. The illustrations are bright and a positive depiction of the holiday and how it is celebrated.