Celebrating Our Holidays

Halloween has a long history! Some parts can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Celtic peoples, and readers are sure to have fun making connections between those festivals and the spooky celebrations we have today. In addition to learning the facts about Halloween's history, readers get some tips on how to make their next Halloween the best one ever, from ways to be safe to a recipe for a tasty treat to share with their friends. Readers can even see photographs from the past and present to trace how this holiday has changed over time.

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a holiday that's growing in popularity in the United States, but it has its roots in ancient Mexico. Readers learn fun facts about the history of this holiday and its many symbols, including marigolds, skulls, and skeletons. As they read, they are encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of ways we celebrate life, loved ones, and those who have left us. Informative main text is paired with sidebars and a fun holiday craft. Vibrant photographs put readers in the middle of the colorful celebrations.

Decorating trees, sending letters to Santa, and writing cards for loved ones are all popular Christmas traditions. But how did they start? Readers learn the history behind some of the most beloved parts of this popular holiday in this detailed look at the way we celebrate Christmas. Historical context is presented through accessible main text and additional sidebars, and readers are also encouraged to look more closely at Christmas celebrations around the world. Colorful photographs and a tasty gingerbread recipe are sure to put readers into the Christmas spirit no matter when they pick up this volume.

Readers are given both a historical and contemporary view of veterans and the challenges they've faced as they learn about the history of Veterans Day. From the battlefields of World War I to today's military parades and memorials, photographs of veterans and those who honor them are presented alongside detailed main text. Historical context and current issues facing veterans are explained using accessible text, and readers are encouraged to make a craft to share with a veteran in their life to keep the spirit of this holiday alive all year.

Kwanzaa is a unique holiday. It's not only less than 60 years old, but also isn't affiliated with any faith. Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s by a Black American for Black Americans to reconnect with their heritage and culture. Based on African harvest festivals, Kwanzaa is a week-long time of celebration and contemplation. This volume introduces readers to the holiday's origins, details what a celebration is like day by day, and explains symbols of Kwanzaa, as well as discusses how the holiday's popularity has changed over time. A creative craft helps make this learning experience even more enjoyable.

Many cultures celebrate a festival of lights. For example, Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. Hindus celebrate Diwali, a time marked by bright lights and new beginnings. Readers explore the roots of this holiday in ancient India and the ways it's celebrated today. From finding facts in the main text and sidebars to making their own Diwali artwork, readers are encouraged to take a deep dive into Diwali and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity in the process. Beautiful photographs of Diwali celebrations from India to the United States fill the pages with color and light.

Hanukkah commemorates an important moment in the history of the Jewish people, and readers explore the history behind this holiday through accessible main text that combines facts and fun! From the meaning of the Hanukkah menorah to the writing on a dreidel, the symbols of this special celebration are explained in an age-appropriate way that encourages Jewish readers to better understand their history and encourages readers of different backgrounds to learn more about holidays they've never celebrated before. A simple recipe is included, along with colorful photographs of Hanukkah celebrations around the world.

In 2021, June 19 became a federal holiday as President Biden formally acknowledged Juneteenth in the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. This day has been celebrated by the Black community since the 1800s, why did it take so long to become a national holiday? And what exactly does it celebrate? Readers learn the history of Juneteenth, from its connection to the Emancipation Proclamation to modern observances, including an activity they can do themselves. As the main content highlights a holiday that is new to many Americans, this is an essential read for kids, teachers, and parents alike.

History is written by the colonizers, so the Native American experience of the first Thanksgiving isn't given much attention. Readers are reminded to look more critically at the stories they've been told as they explore the history of Thanksgiving through engaging main text and sidebars. As readers discover the different ways this day is celebrated, from the foods people eat to the activities they enjoy, they're presented with photographs of Thanksgiving celebrations that look good enough to eat! In addition, they're encouraged to make a fun craft to share at this special time of year.