Review of "Kwanzaa Fun," by Linda Robertson and Julia Pearson

Review of

Kwanzaa Fun, by Linda Robertson and Julia Pearson ISBN 075345016x

Five out of five stars

 Relative to many other holiday celebrations, Kwanzaa is of more recent and specific origin. It was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is designed to celebrate the diverse African culture that was united by common gatherings after the harvest. It begins on December 26 and lasts until January 1.

The word comes from the Swahili word for “first fruits,” which is fitting, for Swahili is the lingua franca of eastern Africa and the phrase refers to the first acts of the fall harvest. There are seven days in Kwanzaa and each is assigned a specific word.

 This book contains a series of simple activities that the students can engage in that refer to an African cultural tradition. All can be carried out using inexpensive materials, making them within the range of all but the most stressed school or scout budget.

 For example, there is the libation ceremony, where toasts to the ancestors, toasts to the future and the children are performed. To make the libation cup, all that is needed is a plastic cup, wooden beads, water-resistant glue and a paintbrush.

 These crafts with a purpose will engage the children in a multicultural activity that will introduce them to the culture of Africa, home to 1.28 billion people or approximately 16% of the world’s population.