Illustrated by John Picacio 4 stars While her family prepares for Dia de Muertos, Cala does not feel like celebrating. She misses her grandfather and can’t stop thinking of him. At the cemetery, Cala is separated from her family and encounters some mysterious horsemen that give her some valuable insight. A fascinating representation of the…
Read More
Illustrated by Markia Jenai 5 stars Fantastically recounts the history behind Juneteenth, from the Middle Passage and enslavement to the Civil War and emancipation. The book shows ways Juneteenth has been celebrated, how Jim Crow laws affected its spread, and how Opal Lee and others worked to make it a national holiday. Nice illustrations. A…
Read More
Illustrated by Ana Latese 5 stars An engaging and fun resource for learning about various aspects of Juneteenth including its history and cultural significance. The book opens with a great introduction to Juneteenth. From there, different concepts are explored for each letter of the alphabet. The text highlights ways Juneteenth is celebrated, important figures in…
Read More
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,…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Illustrated by Charlene Chua 4 stars A delightful and delicious story full of family, food, and love. Jin is disheartened when his sisters are asked to help prepare the family’s Lunar New Year’s feast and he never is. When he asks to help, his aunties only shoo him away, assuming he will just get in…
Read More
by Fiona Cook Illustrated by Roux 4 stars An nice introduction to the Wheel of the Year, its different spokes, and holidays and activities associated with each. While this is aimed at children, the book also works for adults looking for ways to connect to nature and discover their own inner magic. Each section includes…
Read More
by Marcia Berneger Illustrated by Beatriz Castro 3 stars A fun, quick read about the origins of Hanukkah complete with adventure and time travel. Reminiscent of the Magic Treehouse books. All Devorah and Benjamin want to do is open their Hanukkah presents. But they’re in for a surprise when their family gives them an old…
Read More
4 stars I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I’m not much of fan of fake dating stories, but this one managed to do it without being creepy and added a nice twist. After a rough breakup with her toxic ex-girlfriend, Margot just wants a nice holiday. She gets her chance when Ben invites her…
Read More