Carol Gnojewski – författare

Students will learn about the history, customs, and practices of this Mexican holiday.

Get your readers ready to decorate their homes and wear something green, because on St. Patrick''s Day, everyone can be Irish. Students will learn about the origins of this festive holiday and follow easy step-by-step directions and traceable patterns to make Celtic jewelry, leprechaun puppets, an Irish shamrock, and much more.

First observed in 1966, Kwanzaa is the weeklong celebration of African traditions in American culture. Readers will be introduced to the black power movement of the last century and understand that this holiday was created to connect African Americans with their heritage. This informative resource includes colorful photos, an easy-to-follow recipe for Botswanan stew and instructions on how to make and play the mancala counting game.

The Day of the Dead is a celebration honoring those who have left this world. Readers of this volume will understand the meaning behind the holiday as well as the costumes, decorations, food, and other customs associated with it. A recipe for champurrado (Mexican drinking chocolate) and instructions to create a skeleton craft are also provided.

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the country’s defeat of invading French forces during the Battle of Puebla. Readers of this volume will learn the history behind the holiday as well as the music, dances, and food associated with it. A recipe for salsa fresca and instructions to create a Mexican flag are also provided.

The United States celebrated the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 1986. There were marches, parades, and candlelight gatherings. Readers will learn about the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. and why his birthday was made an official national holiday. This informative resource includes black-and-white and color photos, an easy-to-follow recipe for peach pie, and instructions on how to make a “Circle of Friendship” craft.

One special night each year, at moonrise, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year, begins. During Ramadan, Muslims spend the entire month gathering as families and communities. They celebrate with prayer, fasts, and feasts in honor of God. Readers will learn the history and significance of this holy month and how it is celebrated around the world. They can also follow a recipe for an apricot honey walnut tart and instructions to make a garland featuring stars and moons.

Madonna enjoys pushing the envelope, generating accolades and controversy with each cause and project to which she lends her fame. A pop culture icon for over 30 years, her ongoing artistic evolution inspires fans who find her unconventionality refreshing. A self-described fighter, she''s been unafraid to take a political stance, openly championing women''s rights and civil rights throughout her career. This book tracks the queen of reinvention from her early struggles and ambitions through her unparalleled metamorphosis from pop star, to film star, to author, and philanthropist. Curious minds will discover how she''s thrived and survived as a world-renowned female artist and provocateur.

Kwanzaa is a unique holiday. It''s not only less than 60 years old, but also isn''t affiliated with any faith. Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s by a Black American for Black Americans to reconnect with their heritage and culture. Based on African harvest festivals, Kwanzaa is a week-long time of celebration and contemplation. This volume introduces readers to the holiday''s origins, details what a celebration is like day by day, and explains symbols of Kwanzaa, as well as discusses how the holiday''s popularity has changed over time. A creative craft helps make this learning experience even more enjoyable.

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a holiday that’s growing in popularity in the United States, but it has its roots in ancient Mexico. Readers learn fun facts about the history of this holiday and its many symbols, including marigolds, skulls, and skeletons. As they read, they are encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of ways we celebrate life, loved ones, and those who have left us. Informative main text is paired with sidebars and a fun holiday craft. Vibrant photographs put readers in the middle of the colorful celebrations.