What is the background of holidays? What traditions are associated with them? How are they celebrated around the world? This series addresses these questions in short paragraphs and large-scale images with helpful labels. Text boxes ask “Did you know?” or “What do you think?” and then explain where the name of Halloween came from, or encourage readers to consider whether Kwanzaa should be a national holiday. A final “Quick Facts” page includes the date and place of origin, and a review of common symbols, foods, and traditions associated with the holiday. Sidebars focus on particular aspects, such as how to play dreidel during Hanukkah or common altar offerings for the Day of the Dead. Additional support includes tips for teachers and parents, and access to the Factsurfer website to learn more. VERDICT Recommended for those looking to add variety to their collections or update existing titles.

Starting with a quick version of the traditional story of the origins of Thanksgiving (with a glancing nod to contemporary Indigenous people’s alternate gathering to “remember those who died after colonists arrived”), this Holiday History series (7 titles) volume still manages to offer a few twists. Many books focus only on the first Thanksgiving or on modern celebrations, but Spanier takes a broader approach. She traces the holiday’s history from its colonial origins through its establishment in the 1860s until the present—complete with turkey, parades, and football. The book also offers several examples of related holidays in India, Canada, and Japan. Colorful stock photos, infographics, informational sidebars, and critical-thinking questions assist with reading comprehension and engagement. Although not as nuanced as some titles, this useful reference goes beyond the basics.