Brady, April, Kwanzaa Karamu Cooking and Crafts for a Kwanzaa Feast (Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 1995).
Adults and high school student, as well as some middle school children, would enjoy trying out the cooking and craft ideas in this nicely illustrated book about Kwanzaa. There are recipes for "Cornmeal and Wheat Corn Bread" and "Pick-a Pepper Soup". Colored photographs enhance the food section. Craft items, such as "Kindra Tapestries" and "African Bowls" are shown with clear instructions for their creation.
Cisneros, Sandra, The House on Mango Street (New York: Vintage Books, 1984).
A series of short segments/ stories told by a young girl growing up in the Latino section of Chicago. Middle School children would enjoy having sections read to them. Suitable for High School age through adult.
Cohen, Hennig and Coffin, Tristram, America Celebrates! (Detroit: Visible Ink Press, 1991).
Described as a patchwork of weird and wonderful holiday tore, this comprehensive text presents descriptions of holiday origins, historical backgrounds, and associated folklore, as well as games, poems, superstitions, and songs associated with holidays celebrated in America. Suitable for grades seven through adult.
Kozol, Jonathan, Amazing Grace (New York: Crown, 1995).
A sad and disturbing account of life in the South Bronx, where children struggle to find a reason to smile amid poverty, death, and segregation. Suitable for mature High School students through adults.
Malamud, Bernard, The Assistant (New York: Avon Books, 1957).
The story of a tired Jewish family living a life of quiet desperation above the failing food store which they own, and the impact a young man has on their lives. Suitable for adults and possibly High School students.
Myers, Robert, Celebrations The Complete Book of American Holidays (New York: Doubleday and Company, 1972).
A fact filled volume describing holy days and holidays celebrated in America. Cultural and historical backgrounds and traditions of major holidays are covered in detail. Beautifully executed pen and ink drawings are scattered throughout the text. Suitable for high school through adult.
Schulz, Phillip, Celebrating America A Cookbook (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994).
A guide to America's culinary heritage, this volume includes holiday folklore, history, and recipes suitable for all festivities. From "Irish Coffee" for Saint Patrick's Day to "Tangy Broiled Fish Steaks" for Chinese New Year. Suitable for High School through adult.
Straalen, Alice, The Book of Holidays Around the World (New York: E. P. Duttin, 1986).
Starting on January first, this book describes a holiday or event to celebrate every day of the year. Included are well known celebrations, along with less familiar references such as "The Moby Dick Parade" or "Pan American Day". It is a fascinating book to browse through and would be a pleasure to own. There are over eighty full color photographs and illustrations. Suitable for ages fourteen through adult.
Takaki, Ronald, A Different Mirror A History of Multicultural America (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1993).
A comprehensive history of America's progress through the twenty-first century, told by a multicultural scholar. Reading this book gives one a very different perspective on the history of the United States, compared to the more traditional versions written by "white America". May be difficult reading for High School students unless given in small doses. A book worth reading through.