Kwanzaa Books for Kids
Reading books to children is a gift that keeps giving! When combined with a holiday like Kwanzaa, reading offers an opportunity to celebrate and educate little ones about African heritage and Black culture. Many people throughout the United States celebrate this special holiday between Christmas and New Year's Day. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of Kwanzaa.
What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa celebrates African-American and African history, culture, and community. The holiday is celebrated from December 26 to January 1 and was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
One part of Kwanzaa is lighting the kinara, which holds seven candles: one black, three red, and three green. During the weeklong celebration, family and other community members gather each day to light a special candle representing Nguzo Saba, The Seven Principles:
Umoja (Unity)
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
Imani (Faith)
Why is Kwanzaa Celebrated?
Kwanzaa is a cultural, not religious, holiday named after the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning first fruits or harvest. Many countries celebrate the harvest season, making Kwanzaa open for families from all races, religions, and ethnicities to learn about Black culture and the importance of community service and unity.
How to Celebrate Kwanzaa
There are many ways to celebrate with family and friends. Volunteering, attending local Kwanzaa events, and supporting Black-owned businesses are just a few. One of the most important ways to celebrate Kwanzaa is to learn about the holiday.
Here are 10 Kwanzaa books to help you and your family celebrate this joyous holiday.
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Holiday Book for Kids(opens in new window)
Li’l Rabbit is sad because Granna Rabbit is sick, so they can’t celebrate the big Karamu feast for Kwanzaa. He decides to embark on a journey to find a special treat for his Granna to celebrate.
My First Kwanzaa(opens in new window)
A little girl shares how her family celebrates Kwanzaa. This story offers simple ways for little ones to understand the importance of family, friends, and community.
Together for Kwanzaa(opens in new window)
Kayla loves celebrating Kwanzaa with her family! As a heavy snowstorm occurs, she worries about her big brother making it home from college for the celebration.
The People Remember(opens in new window)
Learn about the journey of Africans to America by connecting history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Revisit this story to help children grow their understanding of African-American history.
Soulful Holidays(opens in new window)
This book explores both the magic of Christmas and the spirit of Kwanzaa! Children and families explore the cultural traditions of both holidays through food, songs, and decorations.
Santa’s Kwanzaa(opens in new window)
After a long night of delivering presents for Christmas, Santa returns home and finds a special Kwanzaa surprise. Little ones get to reimagine Santa’s life outside of Christmas.
Kwanzaa(opens in new window)
Discover how one holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in many different ways. Some people light a kinara, others gather for a big feast — everyone cherishes time well spent with family and friends.
Seven Spools of Thread(opens in new window)
This story teaches the seven principles of Kwanzaa through a story about brothers transforming seven spools of thread into gold. Learn about West African weaving, the history of Kwanzaa, and how to make a belt.
Seven Days of Kwanzaa(opens in new window)
Written to the melodies of the popular holiday song “12 Days of Christmas,” this story helps readers celebrate heritage, family, and traditions during Kwanzaa. Sing along to promises of unity and drummers drumming with holiday cheer.
K is for Kwanzaa(opens in new window)
This story explains different parts of Kwanzaa from A to Z, with each letter representing an English or Swahili word.
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