Juneteenth is a national holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated each year on June 19th. On June 19th 1865, enslaved people in Texas were finally informed by the Union Army that the Civil War was over and they were free. This was more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Because of those brave individuals who fought for freedom and equality, children have an opportunity to learn more about the social inequalities from our past.
In honor of Juneteenth, Sheaf and Ink has curated a number of children’s books for you and your young readers about this important holiday. We want to help remind folks the importance of Juneteenth and help children and young people understand our American history through the stories they read and provide context behind Juneteenth so that they can begin to advocate for kindness and build lasting empathy for others at a young age.
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Thank you for supporting Sheaf & Ink. – Cece
Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy
by Van G. Garrett (Author), Reginald C. Adams (Illustrator), Samson Bimbo Adenugba (Illustrator)
A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.
Resources
Juneteenth for Mazie
by Floyd Cooper (Author, Illustrator)
An award-winning picture book for ages 6–9 that introduces children to Juneteenth and the history of freedom in America.
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate (Holiday Celebration)
by Alliah L. Agostini (Author), Taffy Elrod Sawyer Cloud (Illustrator)
Uncover the science behind the beautiful and vast array of natural events that make the sky glow all over the world in this enlightening nonfiction picture book.
Sunrises and lightning storms, rainbows and volcanoes, meteors and eclipses—these beautiful, awe-inspiring events that light up the sky might seem like magic. But there is a fascinating scientific explanation for each. Nell Cross Beckerman’s playful and illuminating text and David Litchfield’s vibrant illustrations are certain to capture the curiosity of young sky watchers everywhere.
Find fun hands-on activities and games to help you and your family celebrate Juneteenth!
Build a House
by Rhiannon Giddens (Author), Monica Mikai (Illustrator)
Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens celebrates Black history and culture in her unflinching, uplifting, and gorgeously illustrated picture book debut.
Teacher Resources
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
by Alice Faye Duncan (Author), Keturah A. Bobo (Illustrator)
Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate “freedom for all.”
So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story
by Nell Cross Beckerman (Author), David Litchfield (Illustrator)
The celebrated author of Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Nell Plants a Tree and a Caldecott Honor artist come together for a poetic picture book introduction to Juneteenth and its origin.
What is Juneteenth?
by Kirsti Jewel (Author), Who HQ (Author), Manuel Gutierrez (Illustrator)
The celebrated author of Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Nell Plants a Tree and a Caldecott Honor artist come together for a poetic picture book introduction to Juneteenth and its origin.
Juneteenth (Celebrations & Festivals)
by Tonya Abari (Author), Ashley Evans (Illustrator)
Celebrate Freedom Day with a vibrant, joy-filled journey through the history and traditions of Juneteenth!
Juneteenth Celebrate the World
by Hannah Eliot (Author), Tequitia Andrews (Illustrator)
Introduce young readers to the history and celebration of Juneteenth with this vibrant board book! The Celebrate the World series highlights special occasions and holidays across the globe.
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Welcome Reader!
I’m Cecelia and I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find honest reviews, book recommendations, along with other bookish essentials. So happy you stopped by!
– C
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ABOUT THE CREATOR
CECE BECKMAN
Cece holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing from California State University, Long Beach. She lives in California with her husband and children. When she’s not reading or writing reviews she can be found wandering book aisles at local bookshops, drinking iced cold lattes with cold cream foam, or passing the time with her cats.
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