22 Must-Read Juneteenth Children's Books to Celebrate and Teach
Juneteenth, a jubilant celebration of freedom and resilience, holds a significant place in American history and black history. Commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, this national holiday marks the day—June 19th, 1865—when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
Celebrating Freedom: 22 Enchanting Children's Books About Juneteenth
Juneteenth has been commemorated by African Americans since the late 1800s, particularly in Texas, where it originated as Freedom Day for the last enslaved people. However, its recognition and widespread acknowledgment as a holiday have evolved over time to an annual celebration.
History of Juneteenth:
While Juneteenth celebrations and recognition occurred in various communities, it wasn't until recent years that it gained broader attention and acknowledgment across the United States.
In 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday. From there, recognition expanded gradually to other states and municipalities across the country. Over time, more states began acknowledging Juneteenth either as a state holiday or as a day of observance or recognition.
The widespread recognition and acknowledgment of Juneteenth as a significant historical event and a day to commemorate emancipation have gained more traction in recent years due to increased efforts by activists, community leaders, and advocacy groups. This culminated in broader recognition, including national attention and discussions in Congress.
In June 2021, Juneteenth gained national significance when it was officially recognized as a federal holiday following the passage of legislation in Congress and its signing into law by President Joe Biden. This recognition marked a historic moment in acknowledging the importance of Juneteenth in American history and its significance as a day of reflection and celebration of freedom for black Americans.
Families and educators play a crucial role in educating all children about the meaning of Juneteenth and its significance. Here are several approaches families can take to facilitate this education:
Storytelling and Discussion: Utilize children's books, documentaries, or age-appropriate resources to introduce the concept of Juneteenth. Engage in discussions afterward to gauge their understanding and encourage questions.
Attend Celebrations or Events: Participate in local Juneteenth events or community celebrations. Experiencing the festivities firsthand can provide a more immersive understanding of the holiday's significance.
Create Crafts and Activities: Engage children in crafts or activities related to Juneteenth. This could include making traditional foods, crafting symbolic items, or creating artwork that represents the themes of freedom and resilience.
Visit Museums or Historical Sites: Explore museums or historical sites that highlight the history of slavery, the Civil War, and the journey to freedom. Seeing artifacts and stories firsthand can make a historical perspective more tangible.
Watch Films or Documentaries: Age-appropriate films or documentaries about the history of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and Juneteenth can offer visual and auditory context to aid understanding for kids of all ages.
Encourage Empathy: Help children reflect on the experiences of enslaved individuals and the joyous yet complex emotions surrounding freedom. Encourage empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Celebrate Traditions: Embrace Juneteenth traditions like storytelling, music, dance, and community gatherings. Engage in activities that reflect the joy and resilience of the African American community and black families.
Encourage Further Learning: Encourage older children to explore Juneteenth beyond the basics. They can delve into primary sources, historical accounts, and personal narratives to deepen their understanding.
Connect Juneteenth to Current Events: Discuss the relevance of Juneteenth in today's context, connecting historical struggles for freedom to ongoing movements for equality and justice.
Model Respect and Inclusivity: Lead by example by demonstrating respect for diversity and inclusivity. Encourage open-mindedness, respect for different cultures, and a commitment to justice and equality.
By incorporating these approaches, families can create a nurturing environment that fosters understanding, empathy, and appreciation for Juneteenth's significance, empowering children to honor and celebrate the legacy of freedom and resilience.
As an amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission based on purchases made through these affiliate link at no additional cost to you.
22 Must-Read Juneteenth Children's Books to Celebrate and Teach
For children, understanding the richness and importance of Juneteenth can be beautifully conveyed through stories and illustrations. Engaging, educational, and inspiring picture books play a pivotal role in helping young minds grasp the significance of this historic event. Here's a curated list of 22 captivating children's books that bring the essence of Juneteenth to life.
Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan - Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.
Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle: Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas.
The Night before Freedom A Juneteenth Story -
'Twas the night before freedom, and all through the South,
long-whispered rumors had, spread word of mouth.
"It’s coming! It’s coming!" I heard people say.
"Emancipation is coming our way."
Eight-year-old David and his family gather at Grandma’s house in Galveston, Texas, for a cherished family tradition: Grandma’s annual retelling of the story of Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This moving Juneteenth book is full of colorful illustrations and is a must read.
4. "All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom" by Angela Johnson - Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
5."Juneteenth for Mazie" by Floyd Cooper - Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty in this favorite of Juneteenth Children's books. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.
6. "Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth Story" by Valerie Wesley - With the help of their elderly Aunt Marshall, June and her cousin Lillie celebrate Juneteenth, the day Texas slaves found out they had been freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
7. "Juneteenth Jamboree" by author Carole Boston Weatherford - Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when slaves in Texas were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them.
8. "Juneteenth: A Children's Story" by Opal Lee - The 'Grandmother of Juneteenth, ' Ms. Opal Lee advocates for the power of education to change the world. As an engaging and captivating way to introduce the history of slavery and freedom to children in words they can understand, Ms. Opal highlights the celebration of Juneteenth and the importance of commemorating this milestone all across America. Juneteenth: A Children's Story Special Edition will help to facilitate conversation and deeper learning about this important part of United States history.
9."Freedom's Fruit" by William H. Hooks - This enchanting conjure tale ideal for both folktale and African-American history collections. Mama Marina is willing to risk everything and use her conjuring powers to the utmost to free her daughter Sheba from the yoke of slavery.
10. "Juneteenth (On My Own Holidays)" by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson: June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people.
11. "Juneteenth: A Day to Celebrate Freedom from Slavery" by Angela Leeper:
Covers the origins and history of the holiday known as Juneteenth and describes how it is celebrated today in this book created for young children.
12. Annie and Juneteenth by Aletta Seales - Annie is a young girl who is experiencing the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas in 1865. She is frightened and wants to know what the Union Army soldier is saying. Annie looks at her mother for answers to her questions. The arrival of the Union soldiers eventually brings many changes in Annie's life. Years later, Annie is able to celebrate Juneteenth with her family and community.
13. "Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom" by Charles A. Taylor - Dr. Taylor's 32-page book, full of colorful illustrations, archival photographs, and historical facts, historical events, and documents, makes the information about the important day of Juneteenth accessible for readers aged ten and up.
14. The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers by Arlisha Norwood Ph.D. - This colorfully illustrated story takes kids on an exciting journey through all the events that led up to the first Juneteenth, the day itself, and the impact it had on the future of the United States.
15. The Juneteenth Story - Winner of the 2022 the Black Kid Lit Award for Best Historical title. With colorful illustrations and a timeline, this introductory history of Juneteenth for kids details the evolution of the holiday commemorating the date the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom.
16. The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson - Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence.
17. What is Juneteenth? - Author Kirsti Jewel shares stories from Juneteenth celebrations, both past and present, and chronicles the history that led to the creation of this joyous day.
With 80 black-and-white illustrations and an engaging 16-page photo insert, readers will be excited to read this latest addition to Who HQ!
18. Juneteenth Our Day our Freedom Step into Reading: Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader. Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots and popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.
19. A Flag to Juneteenth by Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis- Experience the joy of Juneteenth in this celebration of freedom from the award-winning team of Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis.
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
20. Jaylen's Juneteenth Surprise - his inspiring Little Golden Book tells the story of one young boy's first experience celebrating Juneteenth. When Jayylen's grandfather, Paw Paw Jimmy, begins preparing for a big Juneteenth celebration, Jayylen has a lot of questions. Most importantly, what is Juneteenth? His mother and Paw Paw Jimmy explain that the holiday marks the anniversary of when enslaved African Americans found out that they were free. Paw Paw Jimmy plays some zydeco for him, which is the type of music they will dance to at the celebration. Jayylen practices every day so that he will be able to play the frottoir (a percussion instrument similar to a washboard) for everyone. But will he be able to pull off an even bigger surprise for the day?
21. Juneteenth Heroes - In this book, you'll learn about some amazing people who have made a difference in the world. These superheroes of change come from all different backgrounds and walks of life, but they all have one thing in common: they used their power to make a positive difference in the world.
22. Juneteenth Cookbook -A commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, the Juneteenth holiday has been observed in the Black community for over 150 years. In The Juneteenth Cookbook, Alliah L. Agostini, author of the popular children’s book The Juneteenth Story—which won the 2022 Black Kid Lit Award for Best Historical title—brings the tradition to your home through historically accurate recipes and educational family activities.With captivating illustrations of 18 quick and easy recipes, follow along with little Alliah and her grandparents as they explore the historical origins of the holiday through food. Make, share, and enjoy kid-friendly takes on some of the most popular Juneteenth celebration foods.
Through these captivating narratives and vibrant illustrations, children can delve into the spirit of Juneteenth, fostering empathy, understanding, and an appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom. These 22 books offer a gateway to exploring history, resilience, and the enduring quest for equality—a celebration of heritage and the relentless pursuit of liberty that continues to inspire generations. As we honor Juneteenth, may these stories ignite curiosity and conversations, empowering young readers to embrace diversity, equality, and the enduring spirit of freedom.
