4 stars A fantastic informational read. Provides a great detailed look at the history of Juneteenth for children and adults to read together. I love that this book doesn’t just end with emancipation but also discusses the years following, recognizing the continued inequalities and discrimination. The book covers important events in history including chattel slavery,…
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Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge 3 stars As a young girl enjoys the Juneteenth block party, she wonders what the first Juneteenth celebration was like. She talks to family and friends about their Juneteenth memories as they all share in the joy of the celebration. A nice look at some of the foods and activities associated…
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3 stars A sweet story following a young girl as her father explains the history and importance of Juneteenth. I loved that the book didn’t just stop with the news of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas. It recognizes the continued inequality afterward and those who fought and continue to fight for equality. The story…
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Illustrated by Daniel J. O’Brien 5 stars A heartfelt story, fantastically told. This joyful picture book depicts the celebration of Juneteenth, highlights the symbolism used, and emphasizes Juneteenth’s historical significance. Well-written, heartwarming, and hopeful. Join a family on a sensory experience as they come together to celebrate Juneteenth and remember their history. The story highlights…
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Illustrated by Markia Jenai 4 stars A nonfiction board books presenting the history of Juneteenth for young children. Includes important historical events such as the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Juneteenth becoming a national holiday. Nice illustrations. Does include depictions of enslaved Africans in chains being taken on ships and enslaved people working in…
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By Zora Neale Hurston Adapted by Ibram X. Kendi Illustrated by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson 5 stars A fantastic historical text adapted for young readers. Barracoon tells the story of Kossola (Cudjo Lewis), one of the men who was brought to America on the last slave ship, Clotilda. The story follows Kossola’s life in Africa, his capture,…
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Foreword by Oprah Winfrey 5 stars Beautiful, empowering, inspiring, timeless. A compact little book that allows readers to visit Gorman’s iconic poem again and again. A stunning call to action and an encouragement to hope, to dream, and to put in the work. A breathtaking moment that leaves the chest aching. Goodreads
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Illustrated by Vali Mintzi 5 stars A beautiful story of hope and light in dark times and the power of books. When war reaches their home in Damascus, cousins Nour and Amir band together to create a secret library. Together with their friends and neighbors, they collect books from abandoned homes and bombed buildings to…
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Illustrated by Jamey Christoph Following the lead of multiple reviewers before me, I will not be giving this book a star review. I am thrilled a book like this exists, showcasing the importance of the Stonewall Uprising, but even for a picture book it feels sadly incomplete. I enjoyed the idea of the book being…
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by Claudette Colvin and Phillip Hoose Illustrated by Bea Jackson 5 stars A fantastic book that tells the story of how Claudette Colvin took a stand against discriminatory rules. Told in first person, the book follows Colvin’s frustration at not having the same rights as others because of the color of her skin. One day,…
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