Christmas Gif'

by Joseph Rollins and Charlemae Rollins

Book Overview

Introduction by Augusta Baker.

When Charlemae Hill Rollinss Christmas Gif was first published in 1963, it was greeted with much fanfare and celebration. Here, at long last, was the only collection of Christmas poems, stories, songs, and plantation recipes written by and about African-Americans. Ms. Rollins, an internationally renowned childrens librarian and advocate, was often asked by parents, teachers, and children for African American Christmas...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688116671
• ISBN13: 9780688116675
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 106 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.7" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 7 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 2 and higher

Customer Reviews

Excellent compilation of African American Holiday Lore

Having received this book personally from Charlemae Rollins when I was 4 or 5 years old, I have treasured the stories, poems, and recipes for as long as I can remember. Through her stories, recipes, and first person narrative Ms. Rollins provides us all with a glimpse of the significance of the Christmas season to our slave ancestors, and the tiny bit of joy they were able to enjoy each year, if only for a short time. More contemporary stories and poems helped round out the happiness and pain of the holiday season as experienced in the African American community. For my part, my favorite story (for the past 40 years) is "How Come Christmas," a folk tale that beautifully integrates the presence of Santa into the birth of Christ in a way that makes perfect sense to children, and is charming to adults. Thank goodness this book is still available! If you are interested in Christmas stories, traditions, food, etc. it is a MUST READ. Additionally, it adds an important dimension to American History and traditions from an African American perspective.