Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, this holiday on June 19th marks a second American Independence Day, when enslaved men and women first learned of their freedom. Over the past 150 years, African American communities in the United States have continued to celebrate the “day of jubilee” by hosting vibrant Juneteenth celebrations.
In this blog, librarians at Emory University’s Robert W. Woodruff Library honor Juneteenth by recommending children’s books available at the Woodruff Library and Atlanta’s public libraries. Check one out and join in the celebration!
Why children’s books?
For students, faculty, and members of the Emory community, concepts like “freedom” and “slavery” have meaning. But how do we talk to kids about these abstract and difficult ideas? One way is through children’s literature. Books for young readers “encourage children to want to learn more,” writes Kim Taylor, author of “A Flag for Juneteenth.” Through these stories, children can begin to appreciate the “beauty and resilience of African and African American people during their enslavement, as well as […] the importance of strong family and community ties.”
This Juneteenth, share the history and meaning of the holiday by checking out a book for the curious kids in your life!
“Juneteenth For Mazie” by Floyd Cooper
“A young Black girl celebrates liberty, freedom and a great day in American history, the day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumphs as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation.” Reading age: 6-9.
“The Night Before Freedom” by Glenda Armand
“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.” Reading age: 4-8.
Available at Fulton County Library
“A Flag for Juneteenth” by Kim Taylor
“The story follows Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag.” Reading age: 4-8.
Available at DeKalb and Fulton county libraries
“Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom” 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.” Reading age: 5-8.
Available at Fulton County Library
“All Different Now” by Angela Johnson
“The story of the first Juneteenth, the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom.” Reading age: 5-9.
“Heart and Soul: The Story of Americans and African Americans” by Kadir Nelson
“An introduction to the history of America and African Americans, from colonial days through the civil rights movement.” Reading age: 8-12.
“Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge” by Erica Dunbar
“[T]he eye-opening narrative of Ona Judge, George and Martha Washington’s runaway slave, who risked everything for a better life.” Reading age: 9-13.
Want to find more children’s literature about Black history and culture?
Search the Emory Libraries, Fulton County Public Library and DeKalb County Public Library’s catalogs for the terms “African Americans – Juvenile fiction.”
Let’s get reading!
—written by Erica Bruchko, subject librarian for African American Studies and US history
For additional Juneteenth resources available at Emory, consult the Woodruff Library’s Juneteenth LibGuide.
Note: Information for this blog is derived in part from the excellent resources provided by the National Museum of African American History and Culture. For an overview of the historical origins of the holiday, read The Historical Legacies of Juneteenth. For more information on how to talk to kids about Juneteenth, we recommend “Understanding and Celebrating Juneteenth,” a guide curated by the Museum’s education team.