Kwanzaa Gets an A - by Steven Christopher Thedford (Hardcover)

About the Book

Kwanzaa Gets An A tells the story about how the name of the holiday came into existence using a griot, an African Storyteller. In other words, as the griot tells the story of Kwanzaa Gets an A, the children will respond Ashe (ah-Shay), which is a West African word that means to bring about change.

Book Synopsis

The African American Holiday of Kwanzaa derives its name from the lingua franca of East Africa, Swahili. Additionally, the names and principles of the holiday are also derived from the language. Many people believe that Dr. Karenga chose Swahili because it is the largest language spoken by Africans across the continent. Moreover, Kwanzaa derived its name from the phrase matunda ya kwanza ("first fruits"). Yet, as you may have noticed, Kwanza has only one "a" in the expression, but the Kwanzaa that is celebrated by millions of people has two A's. Why is that so?

Well, you'll get many answers if you read books about Kwanzaa. For example, in James C. Anyke's book African American Holidays, he states that the extra "a" was added "to distinguish this celebration as an African American Holiday." Furthermore, The Children's Book of Kwanzaa by Dolores Johnson elucidates that the extra 'a' was added "to give the holiday greater significance." After reading and analyzing several different explanations, I decided to directly approach the source. Therefore, I reviewed the books written by Dr. Karenga on the origins of Kwanzaa. According to those sources, I discovered that the extra "a" was attributed to the fact that Dr. Karenga wanted all seven children present at the first Kwanzaa to participate in the program.

Moreover, uncovering these facts inspired me to write a picture book: Kwanzaa Gets an A. Using Dr. Karenga's book as a guide, Kwanzaa Gets An A narrates the story about the manner in which the name of the holiday came into existence using a griot, an African storyteller. Consequently, the book was written to be an interactive experience where children participate, call and respond. Put succinctly, as the griot tells the story of Kwanzaa Gets an A, the children respond Ashe (ah-Shay), a West African word that means to bring about change.

Review Quotes

'Kwanzaa Gets an A' by Steven Thedford is a simple yet thoroughly written children's book that explains the history of Kwanzaa. The content is presented in a manner that children and parents will appreciate. LaSquizzie Kern, the illustrator, has provided visually appealing images that enhance the story and gives readers an enjoyable representation with which to follow along. Short and to the point, 'Kwanzaa Gets an A', is a title that teachers and parents can use to introduce and/or revisit the important history of Kwanzaa.

Sherrie Wallace, Site Manager, Tulsa City County Library

Kwanzaa (definitely) Gets an A!! A story that describes and explains the meaning of Kwanzaa and requires student participation, which is a good thing. I like the way the sayings are repeated for the better part of the story. This is a book that will stand the test of time. The icing on the cake is the explanation of all of the terms used throughout the book. A must have for both children and adults! Pam Rice (kidsShelf Books)