Eighth-grader Andiey Barnes tells how her five-generation Chicago-area family celebrates the seven-day African festival that begins on December 26th. The origin of this celebration and its founder Dr. Maulana Karenga are introduced, as are the Seven Principles. Expressions of cultural pride from present and past African-American leaders are quoted to underscore the Kwanzaa values expressed throughout a book appealing to older children as well as families. Sections showing Chicago's Ujamaa Market and the family's Kwanzaa Karamu, or feast, are two of several distinctive features of this striking 9 1/4" by 10 1/4" color photodocumentary account. (Ages 5-12)

Text and photographs depict how a Chicago family celebrates the African American holiday, Kwanzaa.