Holidays, Holidays, Holidays!

Books for Celebrating

By Kristina Acosta, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Herman and Kate Kaiser Library

This time of year has dozens of holidays to celebrate from Halloween to Hanukkah, but there are many more that don’t receive as much attention in our American media. Reading books about diverse holidays and celebrations is a great way to build background knowledge, encourage empathy, and learn more about diverse cultures. Here are just a few holidays that are celebrated this time of year. 

  • Rosh Hashanah, first of the High Holidays, is the Jewish New Year.[1] 

Two New Years by Richard Ho

A multicultural family celebrates the traditions of two New Years--the Jewish Rosh Hashanah in the autumn, and the Asian Lunar New Year several months later.

  • Indigenous Peoples' Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October and recognizes the resilience and diversity of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. [2]

Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodluck

In this happy, vibrant tribute author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins--and the Native pride that comes with them. 

  • Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the Hindu “Festival of Lights”. [3]

Binny’s Diwali by Thrity M. Umrigar 

Binny's class is learning about different holiday traditions, and today it is time for Binny to share the story of her favorite holiday, Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

  • Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a lively Mexican celebration helps families honor their ancestors. [4]

Vamos! Let's Celebrate Halloween and Día De Los Muertos by Raúl the Third

Little Lobo is celebrating two big holidays this fall! On Halloween, he and his friends dress up in costumes…then, everyone in the town prepares food, drinks, and other gifts and decorates the cemetery with ofrendas so they can enjoy Día de los Muertos.

  • Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar.[5]

The Chinese New Year Helper by Ying Chang Compestine

Jia, eager to help with Chinese New Year preparations at her family's restaurant, is disappointed when told she is too young until she unexpectedly becomes a vital part of the lion dance performance.
 

[1] https://urj.org/jewish-holidays/rosh-hashanah

[2] https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/columbus-day-myths

[3]  https://www.npr.org/2024/10/29/nx-s1-5167938/what-is-diwali

[4] https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/day-of-the-dead

[5] https://asia.si.edu/whats-on/events/celebrations/lunar-new-year-celebration/