Groundhog Day
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
Early in the morning on February 2, as many as thirty thousand people make their way to Gobbler's Knob to see Punxsutawney Phil, the most famous groundhog in the United States. They watch and wait to see whether he will see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter. Readers will learn how this strange tradition came to be and its significance, in addition to following a German apple brown bread recipe and making a groundhog shadow box.
Presidents' Day
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
On the third Monday in February, the United States celebrates Presidents' Day, which honors all of its commanders in chief. This heavily illustrated volume explores the holiday's rich history, including its roots dating back to Washington's birthday. Readers will have a chance to prepare a cherry pie recipe and create a booklet that shows what they would do if they were president.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
The United States celebrated the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 1986. There were marches, parades, and candlelight gatherings. Readers will learn about the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. and why his birthday was made an official national holiday. This informative resource includes black-and-white and color photos, an easy-to-follow recipe for peach pie, and instructions on how to make a "Circle of Friendship" craft.
Columbus Day
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
Columbus Day might seem like just another day off from school, but every year we remember Columbus's important contributions to our nation. Today Columbus's journey to the West Indies is celebrated in a variety of ways, including parades, reenactments, and Italian-American festivals. Readers can learn about the holiday's history and significance, in addition to following a blue corn cake recipe and making a boat craft from a walnut shell and clay.
Veterans Day
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
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.
Halloween
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
Most kids think about candy and costumes when they think about Halloween. Readers of this engaging volume will be excited to learn about the way other cultures celebrate and honor the dead, as well as their differing customs. They can round off their learning by making witch finger treats and mini ghost decorations.
Day of the Dead
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
The Day of the Dead is a celebration honoring those who have left this world. Readers of this volume will understand the meaning behind the holiday as well as the costumes, decorations, food, and other customs associated with it. A recipe for champurrado (Mexican drinking chocolate) and instructions to create a skeleton craft are also provided.
Juneteenth
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
In Texas, all slaves found out they were free on June 19, 1865. This day is known as Juneteenth. At first, it was a holiday in Texas, but now people celebrate Juneteenth all across the United States. Readers will learn about the history of the holiday as well as how it is celebrated today. In addition, they can prepare a delicious recipe for corn muffins and construct Juneteenth flag pinwheels to place in a garden, yard, or window.
Christmas
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
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 holiday's 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.
Kwanzaa
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
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.
Diwali
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated with firecrackers, sweet treats, and exciting tales of a prince and princess. Readers will learn about the customs involved in celebrating this joyful holiday, and they can prepare a delicious mango lassi and construct a fun Diwali game to play on the big day.
Thanksgiving
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
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.
Hanukkah
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
Young readers will learn how Jews in the United States and abroad celebrate Hanukkah, an eight-day commemoration of the Maccabean rebellion, when a lamp with enough oil to last only one day burned for eight days and nights. This simple yet engaging book also provides instructions on how to make a dreidel and play the game as well as a recipe for applesauce to enjoy over latkes, roast chicken, or just on its own.
Chinese New Year
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
Chinese New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years in China. Now it is celebrated all around the world. It does not always come on the same date each year, but it is always in January or February. Readers of this volume will learn the meaning behind the holiday as well as the costumes, decorations, food, and other customs, such as the dragon parade, associated with it. This simple yet engaging book also provides instructions on how to make ya sui qian, or the red envelopes the Chinese use for gifts of money, as well as a recipe for fried rice.
Ramadan
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
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.
Cinco de Mayo
Part of the Story of Our Holidays series
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the country's defeat of invading French forces during the Battle of Puebla. Readers of this volume will learn the history behind the holiday as well as the music, dances, and food associated with it. A recipe for salsa fresca and instructions to create a Mexican flag are also provided.