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A Kwanzaa Fable
Resenting the difficult responsibilities that are thrust upon him after his father's death, thirteen-year-old Jordan reluctantly helps his younger siblings and learns how the seven principles of Kwanzaa can be applied to everyday life
95 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 28, 2023
Fav Quotes:
"Everybody chooses weapons when dealing with the difficulties of life, and the choice of weapons determines the distinction with which you meet your trials. You can arm yourself with ignorance, indolence, and pessimissism--or with wisdom, discipline, and hope. (Pg. 18)
If you run with people like that, be careful of what you do. You and you alone will be held accountable for your actions. (Pg. 75)
You now know the seven principles: Umoja/Unity; Kujichaglia/Self-determination; Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility; Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics; Nia/purpose; Kuumba/Creativity; Imani/Faith. Now you can celebrate! (Pg.94)
"Everybody chooses weapons when dealing with the difficulties of life, and the choice of weapons determines the distinction with which you meet your trials. You can arm yourself with ignorance, indolence, and pessimissism--or with wisdom, discipline, and hope. (Pg. 18)
If you run with people like that, be careful of what you do. You and you alone will be held accountable for your actions. (Pg. 75)
You now know the seven principles: Umoja/Unity; Kujichaglia/Self-determination; Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility; Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics; Nia/purpose; Kuumba/Creativity; Imani/Faith. Now you can celebrate! (Pg.94)
January 2, 2018
I was expecting more from this fable. I was expecting it to show examples of how each principle is celebrated/honored each day. The last chapter seemed like a last ditch effort to finally name the principles and what they mean.
April 22, 2026
Well.now I know more about kwanzaa
August 14, 2010
really enjoyed becoming acquainted with the Garrison family. Jordan is the oldest child. Jordan has a twin brother and sister. There is also the father and the grandmother. Jordan is only thirteen years old. He experiences difficult losses at his early age. Jordan is a good boy. His father tried very hard to teach him the basic principles that would lead to a successful life.
Jordan's problem is one not unknown to all teenagers. He becomes very weak under peer pressure. As I read the book, I thought a lot about peer pressure. I've heard the words all my life. Not an innocent I've succumbed, at times , to peer pressure. I would like to know more about peer pressure. Why do young people try so hard to please their friends?
The pressure of peers is not the only interesting part of this small book. My favorite character is Snackman. He owns the corner store. No one knows his age. His hair is grey. This makes people think he is around fifty years old. Whatever his age, he is compassionate and wise. I would call him the philosopher of the Oakwood community.
I also love the grandmother. Throughout the book I could see the importance of family and community. These are the people who show the virtues of Kwanzaa in their lives everyday.: "Umoja/Unity, Kujichaglia/Self-Determination, Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics, Nia/Purpose, Kuumba/Creativity, Imani/Faith."
At the beginning of each chapter down the side of the page flows Kente cloth. After a tragic event, Snackman places the Kente cloth around Jordan's shoulders. Although, Jordan seems to have all the right elements for growing strong and upright in his life, the paradox is the way he sees and reacts to life, at least, for awhile.
"Yet though Jordan was embraced from all sides, he felt alone. He felt as if he had crossed some threshold, or, more accurately, had been delivered blindfolded to some threshold that he was afraid to cross."
I think Eric V. Copage uses many symbols. I believe even Jordan's name is symbolic. There is also Jordan's African dream, the lost Kente cloth and the fable. This is a wonderful, wonderful book for middle aged children, young adults and adults.
Jordan's problem is one not unknown to all teenagers. He becomes very weak under peer pressure. As I read the book, I thought a lot about peer pressure. I've heard the words all my life. Not an innocent I've succumbed, at times , to peer pressure. I would like to know more about peer pressure. Why do young people try so hard to please their friends?
The pressure of peers is not the only interesting part of this small book. My favorite character is Snackman. He owns the corner store. No one knows his age. His hair is grey. This makes people think he is around fifty years old. Whatever his age, he is compassionate and wise. I would call him the philosopher of the Oakwood community.
I also love the grandmother. Throughout the book I could see the importance of family and community. These are the people who show the virtues of Kwanzaa in their lives everyday.: "Umoja/Unity, Kujichaglia/Self-Determination, Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics, Nia/Purpose, Kuumba/Creativity, Imani/Faith."
At the beginning of each chapter down the side of the page flows Kente cloth. After a tragic event, Snackman places the Kente cloth around Jordan's shoulders. Although, Jordan seems to have all the right elements for growing strong and upright in his life, the paradox is the way he sees and reacts to life, at least, for awhile.
"Yet though Jordan was embraced from all sides, he felt alone. He felt as if he had crossed some threshold, or, more accurately, had been delivered blindfolded to some threshold that he was afraid to cross."
I think Eric V. Copage uses many symbols. I believe even Jordan's name is symbolic. There is also Jordan's African dream, the lost Kente cloth and the fable. This is a wonderful, wonderful book for middle aged children, young adults and adults.
January 25, 2014
It is well written. Jordan gives us his story of living as a African-American 13 year old boy who becomes a "black man". I was interested in reading it because I only have a vague idea of what Kwanzaa is. I didn't know how it is celebrated and how Jordan applies it to his every day life.
It is a short read and moving and inspirational. I was impressed. I encourage anyone to read it.
It is a short read and moving and inspirational. I was impressed. I encourage anyone to read it.
May 6, 2026
Good and short, well-written fiction, i.e., a modern-day fable that introduces the reader to the celebration of Kwanzaa through the early teen experiences of Jordan.
August 12, 2016
Reads like a Sunday School lesson story. Trying to decide if I should keep it on my shelf for my boy when he gets older.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews