Books in The History of Our Holidays series

Juneteenth is usually celebrated on June 19. It honors the day in 1865 when Union troops swept into Galveston, Texas, and told the elated slaves there that they were free. This accessible volume delves into the American Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the events that led to this special holiday for African Americans and everyone who celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Carefully chosen photographs reflect this special commemoration, both in the past and today.

First observed in 1966, Kwanzaa is the weeklong celebration of African traditions in American culture. Readers will be introduced to the black power movement of the last century and understand that this holiday was created to connect African Americans with their heritage. This informative resource includes colorful photos, an easy-to-follow recipe for Botswanan stew and instructions on how to make and play the mancala counting game.

"Children around the world know that Earth Day is a holiday to show support for environmental causes, such as tree-planting initiatives or beach cleanups. But it actually started in 1970 as a way to protest the issues concerning the environment! Written in accessible language and with appropriate content, this volume introduces readers to the reasons we still celebrate Earth Day today. It encourages care for Earth and a sense of responsibility for the world around us. Full-color photographs show the beautiful world around us and what readers can do to take part on April 22 next year"--

Thanksgiving is one of the most traditional holidays celebrated in America. We associate the day with turkey, football, and family. Many students might not know that even though the holiday celebrates a harvest feast that supposedly took place in the seventeenth century, Thanksgiving was not declared a federal holiday until 1941. This resource will tell young readers all they need to know about Thanksgiving, in addition to providing a recipe for cranberry sauce and instructions to make turkey-themed seating cards that are sure to be big hits at their next Thanksgiving dinner.

Every December millions of people all over the world wait for the twenty-fifth day of the month. They are looking forward to Christmas, one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. This heavily illustrated volume explores the holidays rich history, as well as various ways it is celebrated around the world. Readers will have a chance to prepare a gingerbread recipe and create a reindeer ornament craft.

Many cultures had their own way of counting the year before the western calendar became accepted around the world. The Chinese New Year, one of the biggest holidays in modern China, is based on an ancient lunar calendar. Readers explore the long history of this celebration as well as find out about the animals associated with particular years, the food, and ways people still celebrate it today. Amazing full-color photographs show off the fun of the Chinese New Year in history and today to correlate with the text for beginning readers.