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For many people, holidays and observances are important aspects of their lives. A holiday or observance is a special day or days, usually observed every year, that includes celebrating, observing, remembering and honoring something or someone meaningful or significant. The U.S. is made up of many different racial, ethnic, cultural, religious and faith communities. Acknowledging and learning about these holidays and observances shows respect and understanding of our pluralistic society and its people. Teaching young people about different holidays, traditions, celebrations and observances helps to highlight the relevance of learning about others’ identities and cultures. It enhances their understanding of our diverse society and world.
There are many relevant and compelling children’s books that can help young people explore holidays and observances. Below is a sampling of picture books, many of which include ADL discussion guides for educators and families.
An Invitation to Passover (Ages 5-8) When Hannah's extended family isn't able to join her for their traditional Passover seder, she invites her diverse group of friends to experience the holiday with her. From Ha-joon's Korean kimchi, to Monique's hymn lyrics, each friend brings a bit of their own culture to the celebration. And with each guest the themes of freedom, hope and thanks become more meaningful. A note tells the Passover story and a glossary defines vocabulary.
Binny's Diwali (Ages 4-8) Binny wakes up happy but nervous. It is her day to share about Diwali, the Festival of Lights! She is excited to talk to her class about her favorite holiday. But she struggles to find the words. Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious pedas and jalebis. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah. Includes detailed information about the Hindu festival of lights in the back.
Chloe’s Lunar New Year (Ages 4-8) It's almost Lunar New Year, and Chloe can’t wait to celebrate! But first, Chloe and her family must prepare for the new year. They buy new shoes, lay out good-luck oranges in a bowl, decorate the red envelope, and make a crispy turnip cake. Everyone comes together to cook a fantastic feast, saving a plate for A-má, of course. Chloe enjoys the festive celebration and yummy food, but most of all, she loves spending time with her family. The backmatter contains educational information about the Lunar New Year celebration in Taiwan.
Juneteenth for Mazie (Ages 6-9) Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history―the day her ancestors were no longer enslaved. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story (Ages 5-8) Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won't understand why she doesn't join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so, she learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs.
Nathan Blows out the Hanukkah Candles (Ages 4-8) Jacob has a brother, Nathan, who has autism. Nathan's repetitive and unusual behaviors get on Jacob’s nerves. They also sometimes embarrass him in front of his new friend, Steven. But when Steven makes fun of Nathan, Jacob comes to his brother’s defense. In the end, both Steven’s and Jacob’s families learn to enjoy a new way of celebrating Hanukkah.
Our Day of the Dead Celebration (Ages 3-7) The Day of the Dead is a happy day when Mar’s family gathers together. There are favorite dishes to enjoy, games to be played, and most importantly, stories to tell. No one in the family is forgotten because this is the day of the year when the dead come to visit the living—and for this holiday it is almost as if they’re alive again, as the family takes great joy in celebrating the things that made them special.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag (Ages 5-8) On June 25, 1978, history was made when a new flag unfurled in San Francisco. From that moment forward, the flag and its rich, beaming colors of the rainbow would serve as a symbol of hope and pride for the millions of LGBTQ individuals across the world. Learn about the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world.
Rock Your Mocs (Ages 4-8) In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, this book celebrates the joy and power of wearing moccasins—and the Native pride that comes with them. Contains an author’s note with additional information about moccasins and Rock Your Mocs day, for readers curious to learn more about intertribal pride and the joy found in different Native identities.
Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas (Ages 4-8) Sadie’s family has both Jewish and Indian background, so at Hanukkah instead of latkes, her family celebrates with tasty Indian dosas. To her brother's distress, little Sadie won't stop climbing on everything both at home and at the Indian grocery store, even while preparing the dosas. As the family puts the finishing touches on their holiday preparations, they accidentally get locked out of the house. Sadie and her climbing skills just may be exactly what is needed to save the day.
Stella Brings the Family (Ages 4-8) Stella's class is having a Mother's Day celebration, but what's a girl with two Daddies to do? It's not that she doesn't have someone who helps her with her homework, or tucks her in at night. Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She doesn't have a mom to invite to the party. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this story about love, acceptance and the true meaning of family.
The ABCs of Black History (Ages 5-18) B is for Beautiful, Brave, and Bright! Letter by letter, this book honors and commemorates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy. It’s a story of big ideas—P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments—G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures—H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love. In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem.
When We Were Alone (Ages 4-8) When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. This book tells the story about a difficult time in history and one of empowerment and strength.