Books in Holiday Histories series

It is the last Thursday in November and school is closed. But do you know why? It's Thanksgiving Day, of course? Turn the pages of this book to find out: why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving, when the first Thanksgiving took place, why Abraham Lincoln thought Thanksgiving would be good for the United States. Each book in the Holiday Histories series describes one of America's holidays or special days. Explore the history of each day and learn the real reason why it is important. Discover what special meaning each day might have for you.

It is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November and there are signs on lawns and windows and grown-ups coming in and out of your school. But do you know why? It's Election Day, of course! Turn the pages of this book to find out: who can vote, who can be president, why it is important to vote. Each book in the Holiday Histories series describes one of America's holidays or special days. Explore the history of each day and learn the real reason why it is important. Discover what special meaning each day might have for you.

Many people think St. Patrick's Day is all about shamrocks, leprechauns, and green clothing, but there's actually a lot of history behind this popular holiday. This book is packed with fun facts about the origins of St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick, for example, wasn't even Irish! Readers will learn about past and present traditions surrounding this day of celebration. Today, many cities hold parades, and some local rivers are even dyed green. Each spread features colorful images that encourage readers to make connections with the text. This book will help students appreciate the history of St. Patrick's Day as well as its festivities.

Kwanzaa is a seven-day festival that begins on December 26th and is celebrated until the first of January each year. It celebrates African American culture as well as family and community. Families gather to eat delicious foods, exchange gifts, and honor their heritage and traditions. Using age-appropriate language, this book explores Kwanzaa's roots and the social significance of its founding. Colorful images allow readers to visualize the celebration and make connections with the text. Each day of the holiday focuses on one of seven principles that readers will be able to appreciate in their own life, even if their family doesn't celebrate Kwanzaa.