Juneteenth picture book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. These titles may be found on my Amazon Storefront under Juneteenth Picture Books– https://amzn.to/4dirYTK.)
âť—This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.âť—
They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park
by Tonya Duncan Ellis (Author), Jenin Mohammed (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Emancipation Park is dedicated to celebrating the freedom of enslaved people in Texas. The park was built in 1872 and features picnics, a pool, and baseball games.
Although the park was in disarray for several years, it rejoiced when it was repaired and is used today.
Comments: This story is told through the perspective of the park.
There is a brief history of Emancipation Park and related history.
The artwork is colorful and joyous. However, I could not find any information in the book about how it was created.
Rating: 4/5 đź“—đź“—đź“—đź“—
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Juneteenth Is
by Natasha Tripplett (Author), Daniel J. O’Brien (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A large extended family celebrates Juneteenth by displaying black, red, and green flags, enjoying music and food, and Granddaddy teaching and remembering with the grandchildren.
Comments: The illustrations were created using digital tools. I appreciated the emotions and expressions on the family’s faces as they celebrated throughout the day.
There is a section in the back that explains the significance of the color red for the holiday.
Rating: 4/5 đź“—đź“—đź“—đź“—
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate
by Alliah L. Agostini (Author), Chef Taffy Elrod, and Sawyer Cloud (Illustrator)
Brief summary: This nonfiction children’s book includes 18 recipes for a Juneteenth celebration. There is a little blurb with each recipe telling the significance of the food.
The book has a brief history of Juneteenth and is divided into Drinks, Appetizers, Mains, Sides, and Desserts. Each section includes an activity idea.
Comments: This book contains the history of the holiday, along with recipes, explanations, illustrations, and fun activities for this special day.
Rating: 4.5/5 đź“—đź“—đź“—đź“—1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian, who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.