Books in The History of Our Holidays series

Through full-color photos and exciting text, young readers will discover that Easter is not just a religious holiday, but also a time to celebrate spring and rebirth. They will learn about the history of this holiday and how it is celebrated throughout diverse cultures all over the world. Students can even make baby chick crafts and an Easter-related recipe to share.

Columbus Day might seem like just another day off from school, but every year we remember Columbuss important contributions to our nation. Today Columbuss journey to the West Indies is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, reenactments, and Italian-American festivals. Readers can learn about the holidays history and significance, in addition to following a blue corn cake recipe and making a boat craft from a walnut shell and clay.

Going to a fireworks display is a popular way to celebrate the Fourth of July, but why is that? And why do we use July 4 as the day to honor United States independence? These and many other questions about the history of the Fourth of July are answered for curious readers in this fun, patriotic volume. Historical images and full-color photographs correlate closely with the text, showing the Founding Fathers and modern July 4th events. Written especially for beginning readers, the main content provides just the right amount of historical context and supports early elementary social studies curricula.

Presidents' Day started out on George Washington's birthday and was established as a federal holiday in 1885. Today, it celebrates all U.S. presidents and is always celebrated on the third Monday in February. How and why was this change made? In this book, readers find out the answer and more. Carefully chosen photographs correlate with the text written especially for young readers. The historical context included complements the early elementary social studies curriculum as well as encourages an understanding of the role of the president in our nation.

On Veterans Day, Americans honor all who have served in the US armed forces. The holiday began in commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I and continues to be celebrated every year on November 11. Readers will learn the ways this holiday is celebrated across the country, and can reinforce their understanding by following a recipe for the all-American Apple Brown Betty and instructions to make a thank-you card they can give to a veteran they know.

Most people will have heard of Kwanzaa. Many people are familiar with the bright colors and fun associated with the holiday, but many don't know why or when it's celebrated. Meant to celebrate the unity between African Americans and their African roots, Kwanzaa began in the 1960s. In this book, readers learn about Kwanzaa's creation and the many ways people celebrate this time after the Christmas season. Full-color photographs draw all readers into the fascinating history and celebration of Kwanzaa, honoring diversity and introducing cultural traditions they may be unfamiliar with.

One special night each year, at moonrise, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year, begins. During Ramadan, Muslims spend the entire month gathering as families and communities. They celebrate with prayer, fasts, and feasts in honor of God. Readers will learn the history and significance of this holy month and how it is celebrated around the world. They can also follow a recipe for an apricot honey walnut tart and instructions to make a garland featuring stars and moons.

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.

Columbus Day might seem like just another day off from school, but every year we remember Columbuss important contributions to our nation. Today Columbuss journey to the West Indies is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, reenactments, and Italian-American festivals. Readers can learn about the holidays history and significance, in addition to following a blue corn cake recipe and making a boat craft from a walnut shell and clay.