Picture Books That Celebrate the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a time to reflect, connect, and celebrate African-American heritage and community. This cultural celebration, observed from December 26th to January 1st, is more than just lighting the candles of the kinara, decorating the mkeka (placemat), and passing out ziwadi (gifts). Kwanzaa acknowledges seven guiding principles each day of the week: Unity (Umoja), Self-determination (Kujichagulia), Collective work and responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani).
If you’re looking for a meaningful Kwanzaa gift for kids or hoping to spark rich classroom conversations, try reading these picture books. Sharing humorous, engaging, and relatable stories with beautiful illustrations will help children learn the traditions and principles in a way they can understand and embrace.
From inspiring true stories to familiar TV characters and engaging historical texts, these books capture the festivities while highlighting the perseverance, creativity, and spirit of the African-American community. Joyous Kwanzaa!
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Add to BookshelfThe Gathering Table
by Antwan Eady
From the author who brought us Nigel and the Moon comes a heartwarming tribute to togetherness that embodies the first Kwanzaa principle, Umoja (Unity). Pull up a chair and gather around a Southern family’s special table, where they share events like weddings, anniversaries, Juneteenth celebrations, and everyday moments filled with love. Inspired by Gullah Geechee culture, the lyrical text and lush illustrations capture the beauty of family traditions, told through the eyes of a young boy.
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Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
by Laurie Ann Thompson
This picture book biography is the perfect read-aloud to explain the Kwanzaa principle of Kujichagulia (Self-determination). Emmanuel’s Dream is the inspiring true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a boy from Ghana born with one leg who refused to let his disability define him. With will-power and courage, he learned to play soccer, supported his family, and in 2021, cycled 400 miles across Ghana to spread the message that “disability is not inability.” Told with lyrical prose and striking collage art, this picture book makes a powerful gift that will inspire kids to believe in themselves and overcome any obstacle.
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The Artivist
by Nikkolas Smith
If you’re looking for an award-winning book that illustrates the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), this is it. When a young boy sees injustice in the world, he combines his love of art and activism by using his paintings to drive change. The powerful text and vivid illustrations by Nikkolas Smith encourage kids to make the world a better place by turning passion into purpose.
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Little Daymond Learns to Earn
by Daymond John
When Daymond and his friends start a small business to buy something they really want, they discover how saving, spending, and teamwork pay off. Filled with energy and practical lessons, this story introduces kids to the basics of money, cooperation, and entrepreneurship. This fun and empowering picture book from “Shark Tank” star and entrepreneur Daymond John easily explains the Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa (Cooperative economics).
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Why Not You?
by Ciara and Russell Wilson
Why not you? Amazing you! You’re a winner! You’re so strong! You are perfect and important—you and all your gifts belong!
Celebrity couple Ciara and Russell Wilson share the Kwanzaa principle of Nia (Purpose) in their adorable debut book, featuring rhythmic, encouraging text and vibrant illustrations. From future scientists to pop stars, they invite readers to dream big and embrace their unique gifts. This title is available in both board book and picture book formats.
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The Spark in You
by Andrea Pippins
This vibrant celebration of creativity, confidence, and joy set against the colorful backdrop of Brazilian Carnival captures the Kwanzaa principle of Kuumba (Creativity). As a young girl prepares for the parade, she embraces her inner “spark,” the special light that shines when she’s being herself. Dazzling illustrations, uplifting affirmations, and instructions for making Carnival masks in the back of the book encourage readers to celebrate their uniqueness and creativity.
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When I Hear Spirituals
by Cheryl Willis Hudson
In this stunning tribute to the power of Black spirituals and the history they carry, readers can explore the last Kwanzaa principle of Imani (Faith). Through the eyes of a young girl, readers experience the emotion, healing, and hope found in timeless songs like “Go Down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” and “There Is a Balm in Gilead.” Cheryl Willis Hudson’s lyrical text, paired with London Ladd’s rich illustrations, connects music to key moments in African-American history. It’s a meaningful gift for families or classrooms, symbolizing heritage, faith, and resilience.
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