K Is For Kwanzaa [Paperback]

Juwanda Ford (Author), Ken Wilson-Max (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

A unique alphabet book for children and a wonderful introduction to Kwanzaa, the holiday that celebrates African American heritage.

K is for Kwanzaa explains different facets of the holiday, from A to Z. Each letter of the alphabet represents an English or Swahili word, accompanied by a simple definition explaining its importance or relation to Kwanzaa. For example:

A is for Africa -- Africa is the second largest continent. It has many countries. African Americans' ancestors came from Africa. Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates the rich heritage of Africa.

An introduction describes the origin of the holiday and the Seven Kwanzaa Principles, that guide the seven-day celebration and teach positive life lessons.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A is for Africa, B is for bendera, and C is for candle in Juwanda Ford and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max's boldly colorful, artfully illustrated alphabetical amble through the principles and language of Kwanzaa. A brief introduction to the history of Kwanzaa--an African American holiday that began in the United States in 1966--is followed by short definitions of its seven principles. Pronunciations are provided for all the African words throughout the book. After "A for Africa," it's on through the alphabet learning about Kwanzaa foods, customs, costumes, and language, right up to Z for "zawadi"--the presents! The book's size and simple format makes it suitable for sharing with a group of children from ages 4 to 10, or for families preparing for Kwanzaa in their own homes. (Click to see a sample spread. Text copyright ©1997 by Juwanda G. Ford. Illustrations copyright ©1997 by Ken Wilson-Max. Permission by Cartwheel Books, Scholastic Inc.) (Age 4 and older) --Marcie Bovetz --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. Bright colors and blocky, thickly outlined objects and characters join with a simple overview of the African-American harvest holiday. There is an explanation of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and a pronunciation guide for the African words in the text. This title includes a full-page outline map of Africa, but no countries are identified. The alphabetical format is an effective technique to introduce many words about the holiday to a relatively young audience, for children are likely to encounter words they might not find in other books. "E is for Embe," for example, refers to an African fruit; "G is for Gele," a long narrow strip of cloth wrapped around an African woman's head. Common words are used as well, such as feast, harvest, jewelry, and tales. The vibrant, uncluttered art set against equally colorful backgrounds make this an appealing choice.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Cartwheel (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439560713
• ISBN-13: 978-0439560719
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 5.7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,603,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Kwanzaa

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars K is for Kwanzaa--Great Book, January 31, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: K Is for Kwanzaa : A Kwanzaa Alphabet Book (Library Binding)

Ford managed to teach about the Kwanzaa in an interesting way to children, and was not stereotypical. This is a great book to teach cultural diversity in the classroom, because it does not belittle any race or culture. Read it, and you'll see!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book to share, December 11, 2005

By 

J. Rhone (New York City) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: K Is For Kwanzaa (Paperback)

A wonderful primer for anyone new to the ways and wonder of Kwanzaa.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars K is for Kwanzaa, July 7, 2009

By 

Steven C. Thedford "Author: The Kwanzaa Colo... (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: K Is For Kwanzaa (Paperback)

The book provides some background on Kwanzaa, For example, Dr Karenga took the name of the holiday from the Swahili word "Kwanza, " which means "the first fruits of the harvest." The extra "a" was added so the name would have seven letters to match the seven principles of Kwanzaa. In addition, the book uses the alphabet to introduce
words that are associated with Kwanzaa. So, the book can teach children the Alphabet and Kwanaa at the same time.