Each December, families around the world celebrate Kwanzaa. This unique cultural event pays homage to the past, present and future of African Americans and is celebrated during the seven-day period from Dec. 26-Jan. 1. It’s not a religious celebration, nor does it attempt to replace or substitute for Christmas. The word “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili language and means “the first fruits of harvest.”

Add Kwanzaa books for all ages on the Libby app to your family’s traditions. Here’s a few to get you started:

Fruits of the Harvest: Recipes to Celebrate Kwanzaa and Other Holidays by Eric V. Copage

To start your family’s celebration, this cookbook offers more than 125 treasured recipes from people of African descent all over the world. And while you’re cooking, you’ll learn about African American culture, including the seven principles of Kwanzaa and how people of African descent all across the globe celebrate the best their cultures have to offer through food and gatherings.

My Kwanzaa Ceremony at Home: A Guide for Your Own Personal Kwanzaa Ceremony by Gregory F. Huff

Huff provides a template for your own personal Kwanzaa ceremony with creative suggestions on how to prepare along with readings for each of the seven days of celebration.

Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford

This terrific storybook will teach children all about the traditions and practices that make it a special winter holiday.

Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Medearis

An important part of Kwanzaa is passing on the tradition through families and communities. This book helps to explain Kwanzaa in a family-friendly way with facts and stories about the joys of the Kwanzaa celebration.

The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi

This audiobook tells the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

*Title availability may vary by region.

Celebrate Kwanzaa and learn more about the traditions with these books on the Libby app from your library. All you need is your library card to start reading.