Yesterday, June 19th, was Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of enslavement in the United States. It is also called, “Juneteenth Independence Day," “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.” To help you learn more about this important holiday, we have compiled a list of some great books to read.
Written by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle
Illustrated by Alex Bostic
New York : Sterling Children's Books, 2022. Informational.
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Juneteenth in free verse in 1865 in Galveston, Texas. It conveys powerfully the emotions felt by Black Americans when they were finally free at last.
Written by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
Illustrated by Kim Holt
Random House Childrens Books, 2022. Easy Reader.
This Easy Reader follows a Black family as they make preparations to celebrate Juneteenth. The story then moves back into time, telling the history behind Juneteenth in easy sentences that are perfect for young readers to understand. It then moves to the present and what is being done now to help in the fight for equality and justice.
Written by Alice Faye Duncan
Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Nashville, Tennessee : Tommy Nelson, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, 2022. Biography.
This biography tells the story of Opal Lee and her vision to have Juneteenth be a holiday celebrated by all. She grew up knowing the history of Juneteenth but learned that many people did not. Stories are told from her life and the injustices that were shown to her and her family as she grew up in Texas. It shows her continued fight to make Juneteenth a holiday for all, to show that, "Juneteenth is freedom rising. And freedom is for everyone."
Written by Angela Johnson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2014. Picture Book.
This story is told through the eyes of a little girl living in 1865 on June 19th, the first Juneteenth. The day starts out with her working in the cotton fields and not realizing that by the end of the day, everything would be different. News spreads during the day about the emancipation order, causing many to fall to their knees in prayers of gratitude in the cotton fields. The end of the day is spent in freedom, with family having a picnic on the beach.
Written by Kirsti Jewel
Illustrated by Manuel Gutiérrez
New York : Penguin Workshop, 2022. Informational.
This book is for middle grade readers who would like even more depth on the history of Juneteenth. It discusses historical events and also lays out the current celebrations of Juneteenth and how it continues to be celebrated by more and more Americans each year.
Comments