Reads for Celebrating Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa has begun! The weeklong holiday, which pays tribute to and celebrates African American history and culture, began on Sunday, December 26, and will end on Saturday, January 1. Throughout the week, candles are lit in representation of seven core principles—unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith—and the holiday culminates with the exchange of gifts and a great feast.   

If you are celebrating Kwanzaa and looking for some reads to enhance your festivities, explore this list of books curated by MCPL staff, which has titles for all ages: Celebrate Kwanzaa.

This list incorporates a range of reads—from activity books like All New Crafts for Kwanzaa by Kathy Ross and How to Draw Kwanzaa Symbols by Christine Webster, to cookbooks like Fruits of the Harvest: Recipes to Celebrate Kwanzaa and Other Holidays by Eric V. Copage and A Kwanzaa Holiday Cookbook by Emily Raabe, which can help you plan your Kwanzaa menu from appetizers to dessert. Also included are children’s books for the littlest members of the family, such as Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington and The People Remember by Ibi Aanu Zoboi.

If your traditions include watching movies and listening to music during your celebrations, be sure to check out the Library’s many online resources that you can use to stream movies and music as you enjoy time with loved ones. 

Happy Kwanzaa!

Emily B.
Marketing & Communications