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If you didn’t know about Juneteenth until recently — well, it’s not like we can really blame you. Schools have historically done a pretty terrible job of teaching us the real, diverse, ugly (and genocidal!) history of the United States of America. But guess what: As a parent, it’s on you to change that for your own kids. Hopefully, by this point, you’ve already been talking to your kids of all ages about racism, police brutality, and how to be an activist. So what else can you do, especially on and leading up to this national holiday? Bust out these educational — and gorgeously illustrated — children’s books about Juneteenth, and keep the momentum going.
ICYMI, Juneteenth is the commemoration of June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved people in Texas found out they were free. Of course, those slaves had actually been free since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. But given the absurdity of American politics and culture (in the 1800s and today!) as well as the country’s deep-rooted history of racism and white supremacy, Texas slaveholders had simply kept that little bit of information — the Emancipation Proclamation, that is — from the people they enslaved, for two more years.
And as we all know, Juneteenth was the end of the “enslavement” of Blacks in America, but far too many Black Americans are still enslaved on a different level — by the prison system that preys upon Black bodies, by police violence that cuts short Black lives, and by systemic racism that far too often still robs Black Americans of their power and opportunities.
The real Juneteenth is long overdue. But until then, the best you (and your kids!) can do is keep fighting, keep educating, and don’t forget to stop and celebrate how far we’ve come. These books are a beautiful start.
A version of this article was published in 2020.
A Flag for Juneteenth
Author Kim Taylor really set this book apart when she applied her skills as a quilter to make the beautiful visuals for A Flag for Juneteenth. The story follows young Huldah, an enslaved girl who is preparing to turn 10 on June 19, 1865. The day becomes so much more than just a personal milestone, and her close-knit community comes together to create a freedom flag.
Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise
First of all, who can resist a Little Golden Book? Second, who can resist the adorable little boy in Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise? In this sweet story, Jayylen’s Paw Paw teaches him about Juneteenth and together they prepare to zydeco play music — with Jayylen on the frottoir! — for the big celebration.
Juneteenth Is
If you’re wondering what this national holiday is, author Natasha Tripplett can tell you in this heartfelt book. As the story goes, “Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer.”
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate
This incredible cookbook has 18 quick and easy recipes — like sweet potato pie bars and corn muffins with hot honey butter — that help families learn about the origins of Juneteenth through stories and delicious treats.
‘The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers’
Geared toward readers ages 6 to 9, this book teaches the details of Juneteenth in a kid-friendly way. The colorful illustrations create a visual timeline, and a quiz and thought-provoking questions at the end help them better understand how Juneteenth’s history still affects our world today.
‘Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom!’
Newly released in 2024, this vivid picture book is written in an engaging Q&A format highlighting the origins, symbols, and customs of Juneteenth for kids 5-7.
‘What is Juneteenth?’
Part of the New York Times bestselling “Who HQ” series, this book explains the history of the Juneteenth holiday, tells stories of joyful Juneteenth celebrations, and features a 16-page insert of engaging photographs.
‘The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States’
With colorful illustrations by Sawyer Cloud and a timeline that makes it easy to understand the events that made Juneteenth what it is today, this is a perfect read for kids ages 4-11.
‘Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem’
An emotional free verse poem from activist and poet Soujourner Kincaid Rolle, this lyrical book is a perfect read-aloud option to help kids recognize the strong legacy behind the Juneteenth holiday.
‘All Different Now’
Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis are an award-winning author-illustrator team who do an amazing and gorgeously painted job of telling the Juneteenth story from the eyes of a little girl. It includes a glossary of terms and a helpful historic timeline, too.
‘Juneteenth For Mazie’
Mazie is a modern city girl who is ready to celebrate. Why? Because it’s Juneteenth, of course! Take kids along for the ride with this joyful Black girl comemmorating the day her ancestors were no longer enslaved.
‘Juneteenth Jamboree’
Texas doesn’t feel like home to young Cassie, who has just moved there with her family. But she’s about to be inducted into one Texas tradition she’ll never forget. Plus, artist Yvonne Buchanan’s illustrations practically sing.
‘The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure’
Yep, it’s just what you thought it was: Juneteenth, choose-your-own-adventure style! With three stories and 46 different choices, this bestseller certainly makes history interesting.
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