Pre-K

Growing Reader

Must-Read Children’s Books To Celebrate Juneteenth

by Naima Jasmine Russell

Background credit: Panimoni/Shutterstock

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army delivered the message that African Americans in Texas were free. Even though the emancipation proclamation was declared in 1863, this group was the last to receive the news. There was a huge celebration, and the day became known as Juneteenth (June Nineteenth). It was primarily celebrated in Texas, but as people moved to different parts of the country, the celebration went with them.

In the past few years, this holiday has gained popularity and awareness. There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, from barbeques to festive foods, parades, games, and more. I’ve included 12 kids’ books to help you celebrate this special day.

Celebrate by learning about the holiday

Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise

Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise

by Lavaille Lavette, illustrated by David Wilkerson

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Curious little ones want to know: what is the Juneteenth holiday, and why do we celebrate it? From the Little Golden Book series comes a brand new book that answers these questions. It breaks down the day’s history in an age-appropriate way, and words like Paw Paw Jimmy, Zydeco, and Frottoir (a type of instrument) are just plain fun to say.

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A Flag for Juneteenth

A Flag for Juneteenth

by Kim Taylor

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Little Huldah’s 10th birthday is on June 19, and she is excited to celebrate. But what happens on her birthday morning changes her community forever. How will they process the news? Will they celebrate? Will they create something new to mark the occasion? This joyful story is told through the eyes of a little girl with an illustration style that mimics the beautiful detailing in quilts.

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Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom

Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom

by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, illustrated by Kim Holt

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Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Juneteenth — it goes by many names, but celebrating this holiday is fun, fun, fun. In the popular Step Into Reading series, newly independent readers can easily learn more about this holiday in a familiar format. This is an excellent addition to your collection of Step 3 books.

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What Is Juneteenth?

What Is Juneteenth?

by Kirsti Jewel and Who HQ, illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez

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My oldest loves the Who HQ books and the Netflix adaptation. This non-fiction middle grade book has 11 chapters with additional timelines and a bibliography in the back. These books make history so fun and interesting that you’ll forget you’re learning.

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The Night Before Freedom

The Night Before Freedom

by Glenda Armand, illustrated by Corey Barksdale

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This delightful, rhyming picture book tells the Juneteenth story through the familiar cadence of Clement C. Moore’s poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Paired with Corey Barksdale’s rich, vibrant, and detailed illustrations, this keepsake book is a treasure to pass down to future generations.

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Celebrate by traveling to be with family

Going Down Home with Daddy

Going Down Home with Daddy

by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter

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This Caldecott Honor-winning book follows three siblings traveling with their dad to visit their Granny’s house in the South. This beautifully illustrated story highlights the joy of seeing great and great-great grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins at a family reunion.

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Celebrate by eating or cooking something yummy

Ice Cream Man

Ice Cream Man

by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman, illustrated by Keith Mallet

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This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Augustus Jackson and how he added unique ingredients to ice cream to make it the treat we know and love today. He was born in 1808, and at age 12, he became a cook in the White House kitchen, serving Presidents Monroe, Quincy Adams, and Jackson. Working in that kitchen, he developed his culinary skills, experimented, and created his signature dish. It’s an excellent story to learn about a little-known figure in Black history. And there is a recipe in the back!

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Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese

by Glenda Armand, illustrated by Steffi Walthall

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Frances loves hearing Grandma tell stories, especially when they are in the kitchen. Through her grandma, we learn the origins of certain ingredients and dishes in soul food cooking and some Atlantic slave trade history. Although this book takes place during the New Year’s holiday, the themes of freedom, family history, and food also work for Juneteenth.

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Sweet Justice

Sweet Justice

by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

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Georgia Gilmore is another little-known Black history figure who was vital during the civil rights movement, and I find her story fascinating. She wasn’t an orator and didn’t make huge gestures in the fight for civil rights. Her work was quiet, behind the scenes, and equally important. She used her gift for cooking and hosting to feed people. She made famous fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato pies. During the Montgomery bus boycotts, she used the money she made to pay for people’s rides to work or donated to the cause.

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Celebrate by learning about Black history

Build a House

Build a House

by Rhiannon Giddens, illustrated by Monica Mikai

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Based on Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens' song of the same title, this beautifully illustrated picture book follows a Black family from enslavement to freedom. The family faces many challenges as free people trying to build a home of their own, but they refuse to give up despite everything. A celebration of music, the power of words, and the enduring love of family that belongs on every young reader's shelf.

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This Is the Rope

This Is the Rope

by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by James Ransome

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After emancipation, a large group of formerly enslaved people left the South and moved north in search of better opportunities. From approximately 1910–1970, millions of people, including my grandparents, made this move. Jacqueline Woodson tells the story of a little girl who finds a rope under a tree and how it gets passed down through three generations.

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The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

by Nikole Hannah Jones and Renee Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

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This book became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller and tells the story of an American child who receives a family tree project in school. But unlike her classmates, she can only trace her lineage back three generations. The phrase “born on the water” describes people who lost their origins due to the slave trade. Told in verse, this book describes the joyful time in Africa and how those born on the water persevered and survived the horrible years of enslavement. It is a wonderful book to remind children that Black history did not start with slavery.

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Rebel Girls of Black History: A Sticker-by-Number Book

Rebel Girls of Black History: A Sticker-by-Number Book

by Rebel Girls

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Learn about women in Black history, color with stickers, and create beautiful picture keepsakes. This sticker-by-number book packs a punch and is an excellent boredom buster to take on long summer road trips to see family around Juneteenth.

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