Happy Juneteenth, y’all! I don’t know about you, but in my house, we don’t acknowledge Independence Day because our enslaved ancestors weren’t free until almost 90 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed! Regardless of our past in this country, the beauty of today is that we have the opportunity to learn our history and create a better future for the next generation. Juneteenth, for many, is a holiday that feels new, even if like me, you’ve celebrated for years prior to 202, when it was officially declared a federal holiday. 

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In case you need a quick refresher, while the history books teach us that slavery was abolished when President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, that isn’t exactly what happened. It took years for the slaves to be notified that they were free, but finally, on June 19, 1865, the day when news of emancipation and the Civil War’s end finally reached America’s last group of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, two whole years after the emancipation proclamation was signed. While Juneteenth represents how freedom and justice in the United States have always been delayed for us, it’s still an opportunity for us to honor our ancestors and the freedom we now have to live lives they could only dream of. This year, as you celebrate Juneteenth in your own way through traditions old and new, take the extra step to educate the babies as well with these children’s books teaching them about our very special

“Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth” Board Book

Introduce children to the history of Juneteenth with the “Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth” Board Book from Mudpuppy written by Tonya Abari featuring rhyming text and colorful, bold artwork illustrated by Auntie Tab herself, y’all! 

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“Juneteenth: A Children’s Story Special Edition”

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.

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“Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise”

Yes, #blackboyjoy representation! 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 vest 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?

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“Freedom Rings: A Children’s Book About Juneteenth”

“Freedom Rings” is a children’s book about Juneteenth that celebrates freedom for African Americans, remembers the struggles of slavery, and honors the freedom of all people. The children’s book is full of Juneteenth facts and is a great way to introduce your children to the holiday as well as the vast contributions of African Americans to our country.

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“Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth”

Did you know there was a Grandmother of Juneteenth? 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.”

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“Juneteenth for Mazie”

Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. 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.

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“All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom”

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 book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.

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