Blog #30

The Sound of Kwanzaa

Written by: Dimitrea Tokunbo

Illustrated by: Lisa Cohen

Scholastic, Inc.

2009

26 pages

            I chose this book to learn more about the holiday, Kwanzaa.  This book is about an African American family who is celebrating Kwanzaa.  Each day they light another candle and say a guiding principle.  The principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.  On the last day seven candles will by lit.  Kwanzaa is an African American celebration that was started by Dr. Karenga in 1966.  It is based on the Swahili word kwanza, which means ‘first fruits’.  It is celebrated for seven days from December 26^th until January 1^st.  The author put Swahili words into the text to introduce some of the language spoken during Kwanzaa as well.

            Lisa Cohen illustrated this book.  The artwork appears to have been completed using acrylic paint and possibly collage.  Cohen used double=page spread throughout the book.  She also used very formal text placement to make the book look very professional.  I love the use of bold, eye-catching colors.  The family in the book is portrayed going about their daily lives such as riding the bus to school, hanging out in their home, painting, graduating, and celebrating Kwanzaa at their dining room table.  Each picture goes along with the guiding principle for the day.  I like how the pictures explain the text.

            This book is appropriate for students from Kindergarten until fourth grade.  This book has simple language and pictures for young ages to understand.  I would use this in my classroom to talk about the different holidays people celebrate during the winter during Christmas time.  I could also use this book as an example of a cultural tradition.  Explaining cultural differences to young children helps them to understand instead of be prejudice later on in life.  Also, when studying different languages spoken across the globe, Swahili would be one to think about!  I like this book because it is a fun, brief story with real information about Kwanzaa and how it started on the last pages of the book. Great option for handling the upcoming holidays!