9 Titles to Learn About Juneteenth

These Juneteenth offerings include various formats, ranging from cookbooks to early readers to audiobooks, so all your young readers can find their preferred way to learn more about this holiday.

some of the Juneteenth round-up's book covers on a Juneteenth flag background.

These offerings about Juneteenth include formats ranging from cookbooks to early readers to audiobooks, so all your young readers can find their preferred way to learn more about this holiday.

 

 The ­Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate by Alliah L. Agostini with Taffy Elrod. illus. by Sawyer Cloud. becker&mayer! kids. ISBN 9780760385791. 
Gr 1-5–Throughout the book, readers follow a little girl named Alliah and her grandparents as they prepare for their Juneteenth festivities. Chapters focus on drinks, appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts, with interspersed sections about the history and symbolism of certain foods, suggested field trips to areas that have special significance around the holiday, playlists, and games. VERDICT A beautiful collection of recipes marking an important national holiday, highly recommended for school and public libraries.

[Read: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Food, Music, and More]

Freedom Celebration: A Juneteenth Party by Angela Dalton. illus. by Keisha Morris. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780063334977.
K-Gr 3–Gloria invites readers to come to her family barbecue, celebrating an important day in African American history, Juneteenth. Using accessible language with only four or five sentences per page, Gloria and her relatives explain the history behind the celebration and why it is an important day to remember. VERDICT A comprehensive overview of this celebration in language that is easy for emerging readers. Highly recommended for all collections.

They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park by Tonya Duncan Ellis. illus. by Jenin Mohammed. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. ISBN 9780063286054. 
PreS-Gr 3–Though nonfiction, this lyrical picture book is narrated in the voice of the Emancipation Park in Houston, TX, exploring its history and promise. Land for the park was purchased in 1872 to commemorate Freedom Day, the precursor to Juneteenth. VERDICT A moving portrayal of community and appreciation for the past, this book is a fine addition to all collections.

She Persisted: Opal Lee by Shelia P Moses. narrated by Karen Chilton & ­Chelsea Clinton­. Listening Library. ISBN 9780593823194. 
Gr 1-4–Poet/playwright/producer and National Book Award finalist Moses presents the latest “She Persisted” chapter book. Chilton's mature, resounding voice underscores Opal Lee’s resilience through almost a century of accomplishments—from fearless child to teacher, community leader, and activist. VERDICT Libraries should persist in acquiring titles from this empowering series.

Tell Me About Juneteenth by Kortney Nash. illus. by DeAndra Hodge. Macmillan/Godwin. ISBN 9781250908797. 
K-Gr 3–A young Black girl joins her community to celebrate Juneteenth. Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the block party, which includes delicious foods, vendors, games, and more, the protagonist asks members of her family and neighborhood, “What was the first Juneteenth like?” VERDICT Highly recommended for purchase for any picture book or holiday collection.

[Read: 4 Picture Books About Juneteenth]

The Juneteenth Alphabet by Andrea Underwood Petifer. illus. by Ana Latese. duopress. ISBN 9781464219016. 
K-Gr 3–Each letter provides an important fact about the holiday and the significance of the fact.  Readers will find information on how different cultures celebrate Juneteenth worldwide; the meaning behind the flag; and the “grandmother” of this national holiday, Opal Lee. VERDICT This book will serve as a basic but informative text for elementary students to gain exposure not only to Juneteenth but also to equality, diversity, and acceptance.

All Good in the Hood by Dwayne Reed. illus. by Gladys Jose. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316461986. 
PreS-Gr 2–A young Black boy is celebrating Juneteenth with his mom, dad, and big brother, but he worries about going to such a big, loud celebration. Several things happen on the way that increase his anxiety, but each time his brother lovingly reassures him by using the titular phrase, “Don’t worry, Lil’ Bro, it’s all good in the hood!” Thanks to his family’s loving support, Lil’ Bro enjoys the festivities. VERDICT A first purchase.

Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett. illus. by Daniel J. O’Brien. Chronicle. ISBN 9781797216805. 
PreS-Gr 3–This story offers a poignant and deeply meaningful look at the holiday through the eyes of one extended family. The family comes together to honor their heritage, share stories, and express their cultural pride. Tripplett’s text is a heartfelt ode to the holiday, inviting readers to go with the family to the parade, dance to the music, share fist bumps and hugs, and enjoy a plethora of food made from old family recipes. VERDICT A recommended purchase.

So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story by Anne Wynter. illus. by Jerome Pumphrey. HarperCollins/Clarion. ISBN 9780063081147. 
K-Gr 3–With striking, large acrylic artwork and poetic short text, Pumphrey and Wynter collaborate to show the history and meaning of Juneteenth. The repeated phrase “How would you…” starts different questions in connection with the plight of African Americans when they were enslaved people. Each question is then changed to “Oh, how you would…!” with an illustration of people celebrating Juneteenth after the emancipation of enslaved persons. VERDICT A supplementary purchase for collections needing more books about Juneteenth.

 

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