When Susie states that she doesn't think she is special enough to join in her family's Kwanzaa celebration, Great Aunt T and her Rugrat friends prove her wrong and convince her to take part in the family's holiday celebration.

Since 1966, Kwanzaa has been celebrated as a black holiday tradition – an annual recognition of cultural pride in the African American community. But how did this holiday originate, and what is its broader cultural significance? Kwanzaa: Black Power and the Making of the African-American Holiday Tradition explores the political beginning and later expansion of Kwanzaa, from its start as a Black Power holiday, to its current place as one of the most mainstream of the black holiday traditions. For those wanting to learn more about this alternative observance practiced by countless African Americans and how Kwanzaa fits into the larger black holiday tradition, Keith A. Mayes gives an accessible and definitive account of the movements and individuals that pushed to make this annual celebration a reality, and shows how African-Americans brought the black freedom struggle to the American calendar. Clear and thoughtful, Kwanzaa is the perfect introduction to what is now the quintessential African American holiday.

Catch the wave of enthusiasm that accompanies holiday celebrations, and use it to promote reading and literature throughout the year. Focusing on books for elementary readers published within the past five years, Blass introduces you to 200 of the best new fiction and nonfiction titles about world holidays—from New Year's Day, Ramadan, and Mardi Gras to Juneteenth, Pioneer Day, and the Bon Festival. The guide offers full bibliographic information; a plot summary; a booktalk, bookwalk, or read-aloud for promoting the book to young readers; and ideas for discussion and extension learning activities. Chapters are organized chronologically from January to December, with additional chapters on Holidays in General and Other Special Occasions, covering such events as birthdays and losing a tooth. Alternative title suggestions for each holiday are given at the end of the section. A source of inspiration for reading assignments, book lists, and library displays, this guide is also a great resource for multicultural units. Grades K-6.

This all-new Step into Reading reader is based on DreamWorks Trolls World Tour--in theaters April 17, 2020! Perfect for boys and girls ages 4 to 6, this Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader features Poppy, Branch, and the other Trolls from DreamWorks Trolls World Tour! In the beginning, it's all glitter and happiness in Troll Village until Queen Poppy and Branch make a surprising discovery--there are other Troll worlds beyond their own, each defined by a different genre of music! When a mysterious threat puts all the Trolls across the land in danger, Poppy, Branch, and their band of friends must embark on an epic quest do the impossible: create harmony among the diverse Trolls to unite them against certain doom. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

A stunning graphic novel adaptation of Walter Dean Myers's New York Times bestseller Monster. Monster is a multi-award-winning, provocative coming-of-age story about Steve Harmon, a teenager awaiting trial for a murder and robbery. As Steve acclimates to juvenile detention and goes to trial, he envisions how his ordeal would play out on the big screen. Guy A. Sims, the acclaimed author of the Brotherman series of comic books, collaborated with his brother, the illustrator Dawud Anyabwile, in this thrilling black-and-white graphic novel adaption of Monster. Monster was the first-ever Michael L. Printz Award recipient, an ALA Best Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor selection, and a National Book Award finalist. Monster is also now a major motion picture called All Rise starring Jennifer Hudson, Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Nas, and A$AP Rocky. Fans of Monster and of the work of Walter Dean Myers—and even kids who think they don't like to read—will devour this graphic adaptation.

Celebrate feelings in all their shapes and sizes in this New York Times bestselling picture book from the Growing Hearts series! Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions. With whimsical illustrations and an irresistible die-cut heart that extends through each spread, this gorgeously packaged and unique feelings book is sure to become a storytime favorite.

Blaze and AJ race to the rescue when troublemaking Crush unleashes a runaway robot! Boys and girls ages 3 to 7 who like Nickelodeon's Blaze and the Monster Machines will thrill to this full-color storybook, which includes over 30 stickers.