As a current elementary teacher who teaches American Slavery to 4th graders each year, I am constantly reflecting back on my own early childhood history education, and can’t help but feel slighted at the gross omission of key details surrounding monumental moments in our nation’s history, and in this case, the Civil War. What I remember learning about our nation’s “deadliest war” went along the lines of this… “the North and the South were divided over how much control the government had…the industrial advances of the North were a threat to the South…etc.”, and slavery, was a mere afterthought that was only introduced when speaking about the Underground Railroad. Later on in high school, we learned of the Emancipation Proclamation that occurred on January 1, 1863, a strategic wartime move from President Abraham Lincoln that promised freedom to roughly 3.5 million enslaved African Americans. Outside of these “highlights”, there isn’t much else I remember learning (or that stuck with me) about American Slavery, and most notably absent, Juneteenth. If you are learning for the first time as an adult like I did, emancipation did not happen immediately, or even swiftly for those enslaved. In fact, Juneteenth is celebrated in the African American community because it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay, Texas learned of their freedom from Union Troops as they reached their final destination.
As an educator, truth seeker, and Black History enthusiast, my knowledge of this part of our nation’s history has grown exponentially as I have researched and studied over the last few years. Whether you already celebrate Juneteenth in your home like my family or are hoping to introduce the history of Juneteenth to your students or children, the selected texts below are great additions to any classroom or home library.
Happy Juneteenth & happy reading,
Shannon
The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers
By Arlisha Norwood, PhD
An introduction to the history of Juneteenth for kids ages 6 to 9.
On June 19, 1865, a Union soldier traveled to Texas to tell the enslaved people who lived there that they were free—that slavery was now illegal in every state. The people danced and sang in celebration of their freedom. Today, we pay tribute to this historical day with a special holiday on June 19 called Juneteenth. 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.
The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States
Written by Alliah Agostini, Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
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.
Juneteenth: A Children’s Story
Written by Opal Lee, Illustrated by Peter Viska
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 now marked as a national holiday.
The Story of Juneteenth (Board Book)
Written by Dorena Williamson
What are the origins of America’s newest national holiday? With simple, age-appropriate language and colorful illustrations, this little board book introduces children to the events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the people of Texas that all enslaved people were declared free and the Civil War had ended. The book also connects those events to today’s celebrations. Thoroughly researched and historically accurate, The Story of Juneteenth distills a pivotal moment in U.S. history and creates an opportunity for further conversation between parent or caregiver and child.
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan
Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when enslaved Texans were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them.
Written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson & Drew Nelson, Illustrated by Mark Schroder
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.
Encourage understanding of diverse cultures. Featuring full-page illustrations, these beautiful editions look at the history and customs associated with various holidays and present early readers with high-interest offerings.
Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth (Board Book)
Written by Tonya Abari, Illustrated by Tabitha Brown
Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book from Mudpuppy is a wonderful introduction to Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States on June 19th commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Colorful illustrations show various ways people celebrate the anniversary of freedom for all!
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
Written by Alice Faye Duncan, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
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.
By Floyd Cooper
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.
By Kim Taylor
A Flag for Juneteenth depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is to be made that all enslaved people are free. Young Huldah, who is preparing to celebrate her tenth birthday, can’t possibly anticipate how much her life will change that Juneteenth morning. The story follows Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag.
Written by Kirsti Jewel (Who HQ), Illustrated by Manuel Guttierrez
On June 19, 1865, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered around a Union solder and listened as he read the most remarkable words they would ever hear. They were no longer enslaved: they were free. The inhumane practice of forced labor with no pay was now illegal in all of the United States. This news was cause for celebration, so the group of people jumped in excitement, danced, and wept tears of joy. They did not know it at the time, but their joyous celebration of freedom would become a holiday–Juneteenth–that is observed each year by more and more Americans.
Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom
Written by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Illustrated by Kim Holt
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.
On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered. Order Number 3 was read, proclaiming that they were no longer enslaved–they were free. People danced, wept tears of joy, and began to plan their new lives. Juneteenth became an annual celebration that is observed by more and more Americans with parades, picnics, family gatherings, and reflection on the words of historical figures, to mark the day when freedom truly rang for all.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
Written by Angela Johnson, Illustrated by 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.
Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy
Written by: Van G. Garrett, Illustrated by Reginald C. Adams & Samson Bimbo Adenugba
A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year—and why they celebrate their African American history!
The poetic text includes selected lyrics from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.
Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise (Little Golden Book)
Written by Lavaille Lavette, Illustrated by David Wilkerson
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?
The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story
Written by Glenda Armand, Illustrated by Corey Barksdale
This moving picture book tells the story of Juneteenth with all the care and reverence such a holiday deserves. The rhyming text and stunning illustrations will teach children about this historic day in history.
‘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.
Free At Last: A Juneteenth Poem
Written by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, Illustrated by Alex Bostic
After 300 years of forced bondage;
hands bound, descendants of Africa
picked up their souls—all that they owned—
leaving shackles where they fell on the ground,
headed for the nearest resting place to be found.
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.
Freedom’s Gifts: A Juneteenth Story
Written by Valerie Wesley, Illustrated by Sharon Wilson
With the help of their elderly Aunt Marshall, June and her cousin Lillie celebrate Juneteenth, the day enslaved Texans found out they had been freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Written by Nikole Hannah-Jones & Renee Watson, Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Grandma gathers the whole family, and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders. But before that, they had a home, a land, a language. She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived.
With powerful verse and striking illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, Born on the Water provides a pathway for readers of all ages to reflect on the origins of American identity.
Writtenby Anece Rochell, Illustrated by Audeva Joseph
Daylen (one of the characters from the Beautiful Me Series) is excited and ready to share everything he knows about Juneteenth. Juneteenth is an entertaining picture storybook that explains the origin, customs, and importance of the Juneteenth Holiday, in a fun and interactive way. This book is the fourth installment in the Beautiful Me Series, and just like the other books in this series, Juneteenth ends with a words to know page, to help children build a stronger vocabulary.
Written by Rio Cortez, Illustrated by Lauren Semmer
Letter by letter, The ABCs of Black History celebrates a story that spans continents and centuries, triumph and heartbreak, creativity and joy.
It’s a story of big ideas––P is for Power, S is for Science and Soul. Of significant moments––G is for Great Migration. Of iconic figures––H is for Zora Neale Hurston, X is for Malcom X. It’s an ABC book like no other, and a story of hope and love.
In addition to rhyming text, the book includes back matter with information on the events, places, and people mentioned in the poem, from Mae Jemison to W. E. B. Du Bois, Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke, and the Little Rock Nine to DJ Kool Herc.
ABC Black History and Me: An Inspirational Journey Through Black History from A to Z (Board Book)
By Queenbe Monyei
From A is for Advocate to Z is for Zest, each letter of the alphabet is paired with inspirational historical concepts in this 9×9-inch board book. Along with the upbeat, rhyming text covering both well-known and more obscure topics, are colorful illustrations that promote an excitement and curiosity about Black American history. Covering trailblazers from A to Z but also chronologically, this book features a visual timeline with additional information for more in-depth learning on the people, places, and events discussed.
Things Kids Should Know About Juneteenth
By Educational Parade
This Book is a captivating and informative guide to the history and significance of Juneteenth. It explains, in simple and age-appropriate language, the story of how people who were enslaved in the United States were finally told they were free on June 19th, 1865. The book describes the struggles and sacrifices of the people who fought for their freedom, and the ways in which Juneteenth is celebrated today.
The book also highlights the importance of continuing to work towards achieving true freedom and equality for all people. Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, children will learn about the history of slavery in the US and the significance of Juneteenth. They will also be inspired to celebrate progress towards a more just and equitable society, and to continue the fight for freedom and equality for all.
Freedom Rings: A Children’s Book About Juneteenth
By Sharday Moser
Juneteenth is a special day that celebrates freedom for African Americans. Juneteenth is a day to remember the struggles of slavery and to celebrate the freedom of all people. It is a time to come together with family and friends, share stories, music, and food, and honor the contributions of African Americans to our country.
The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose: History)
Written by Steven Otfinoski
The Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War have brought an official end to slavery, yet some Southern enslavers are refusing to comply. The road to freedom is still long and hard for many African Americans, but you’re not giving up. Will you: Overcome obstacles as you make your way north from Texas, looking to begin a new life of freedom? Seek out your family, from whom you were separated as a child, after emancipation? Fight back when you take work as an apprentice but find that you’re still treated like you are enslaved? YOU CHOOSE offers multiple perspectives on history, supporting Common Core reading standards and providing readers a front-row seat to the past.
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