Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Encyclopedia of American Holidays and National Days. Edited by Len Gravers. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Prss, 2006. 2 vols. 614 p. $199.95. ISBN 0-313-33130-8.

This title will be of interest to students interested in learning about American holidays described as "a polyglot of occasions religious and secular, family- and community-centered, serious and silly" and about one of our newer holidays, Super Bowl Sunday. This event is noted because it was created by those who wish to sell consumer goods such as soft drinks and pretzels and media moguls who wished to sell television ads and has expanded to market cities vying for the privilege of hosting the game. At the beginning of each holiday, an inset box lists important dates and events concerning the day. A history of the holiday, ways it is celebrated, its political and social issues and names of important persons attached to the celebration are given. Reviewing the holidays celebrated, one finds differences between areas of the country (Jefferson Davis Day is celebrated in one area and Lincoln's birthday is not. A final use of the book might be for that teacher who likes to read a passage to quiet students before beginning the day's activities. Sharing this information before a holiday is to be celebrated would be useful. A few black-and-white photographs and graphics illustrate the text.