Juneteenth, June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in said state were free by executive decree. This came over two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Below you will find a list of children’s books to celebrate Juneteenth. This is by no means a complete list of all the Juneteenth books available in our catalog and is instead a sampling of what we have. As of this writing, all of these titles are owned by the Davenport Public Library. Descriptions are provided by the publishers.
Picture Books
Build a house / Rhiannon Giddens ; illustrated by Monica Mikai.
rammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens celebrates Black history and culture in her unflinching, uplifting, and gorgeously illustrated picture book debut.
As an acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter, and cofounder of the traditional African American string band the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rhiannon Giddens has long used her art to mine America’s musical past and manifest its future, passionately recovering lost voices and reconstructing a nation’s musical heritage. Written as a song to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth—which was originally performed with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma—and paired here with bold illustrations by painter Monica Mikai, Build a House tells the moving story of a people who would not be moved and the music that sustained them. Steeped in sorrow and joy, resilience and resolve, turmoil and transcendence, this dramatic debut offers a proud view of history and a vital message for readers of all ages: honor your heritage, express your truth, and let your voice soar, even—or perhaps especially—when your heart is heaviest. – Candlewick
A flag for Juneteenth / Kim Taylor.
Expert quilter Kim Taylor shares a unique and powerful story of the celebration of the first Juneteenth, from the perspective of a young girl.
On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army delivered the message that African Americans in Texas were free. Since then, Juneteenth, as the day has come to be known, has steadily gained recognition throughout the United States. ln 2020,a powerful wave of protests and demonstrations calling for racial justice and equality brought new awareness to the significance of the holiday.
A Flag for Juneteenth depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is to be made that all enslaved people are free. Young Huldah, who is preparing to celebrate her tenth birthday, can’t possibly anticipate how much her life will change that Juneteenth morning. The story follows Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag.
Debut author and artist Kim Taylor sets this story apart by applying her skills as an expert quilter. Each of the illustrations has been lovingly hand sewn and quilted, giving the book a homespun, tactile quality that is altogether unique. – Neal Porter Books
Juneteenth is / written by Natasha Tripplett ; illustrated by Daniel J. O’Brien.
An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of a family and a community.
Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another.
This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. With poignant text and vivid illustrations, Juneteenth Is offers a window and a mirror for readers, resonating with kids who will see themselves reflected in its pages and those who hope to understand experiences beyond their own.
CELEBRATES BLACK JOY: At its root, this is a story of family and community. Vibrant illustrations capture the warmth and unity of Black families and Black communities in a portrait of beautiful joy.
REMEMBERING A LEGACY: Both a story of celebration and a commemoration of freedom, this book honors a past of struggle, resilience, and triumph. It recognizes Juneteenth not just as a holiday but as a cultural legacy. An author’s note also explains the significance of the color red to Juneteenth—its use as a symbol of African American endurance and the ways Black communities weave the color into modern-day celebrations through food and clothing.
BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY: Juneteenth marks an undeniable truth of American history and remains a cultural touchstone for many Black Americans, making it important for all Americans to understand. Much-needed in this time of growing representation and discussion about equity and social justice, this book is a strong resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce Black history and encourage respectful conversations. – Chronicle Books
The night before freedom : a Juneteenth story / words by Glenda Armand ; pictures by Corey Barksdale.
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.
‘Twas the night before freedom, and all through the South,
long-whispered rumors had, spread word of mouth.
“It’s coming! It’s coming!” I heard people say.
“Emancipation is coming our way.”
Eight-year-old David and his family gather at Grandma’s house in Galveston, Texas, for a cherished family tradition: Grandma’s annual retelling of the story of Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln meant that all enslaved persons within the rebellious states would be free as of January 1, 1863. However, people in Texas did not receive the news of their emancipation until two and a half years later—on June 19, 1865.
Grandma tells the story of anticipation, emancipation, and jubilation just as it was told to her many years before by her own grandmother, Mom Bess. As a six-year-old, Bess had experienced the very first Juneteenth. Before that day, she could only imagine what liberty would look like. But once freedom arrived, would it live up to a little girl’s dreams? – Crown Books for Young Readers
So many years : a Juneteenth story / words by Anne Wynter ; pictures by Jerome Pumphrey.
Oh, how you would dance! How you would sing! How you would celebrate!
With lyrical text from Anne Wynter and radiant artwork from Jerome Pumphrey, this poetic picture book explains the history behind Juneteenth celebrations. So Many Years simultaneously acknowledges the history of slavery in the US as well as the astonishing Black resilience that has led to an enduring legacy of Black joy. – Clarion Books
Juvenile Nonfiction Books
All different now : Juneteenth, the first day of freedom / Angela Johnson ; illustrated by E.B. Lewis.
Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
Told in Angela Johnson’s signature melodic style and brought to life by E.B. Lewis’s striking paintings, All Different Now is a joyous portrait of the dawn breaking on the darkest time in our nation’s history. – Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
J is for Juneteenth / Jamariah Cross, Kimani Prince and Ariyah Webster ; [illustrations by Reyhana Ismail at Rey of Light Design].
J is for Justice. U is for Union Army.
J Is for Juneteenth was written by three young writers as part of a collaborative youth writing competition hosted by Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. By spelling out the word “Juneteenth,” the authors lead young readers through a joyful and thoughtful celebration of the history of this important holiday. – Planting People Growing Justice Press
Juneteenth / written by Van G. Garrett ; illustrated by Reginald C. Adams and Samson Bimbo Adenugba.
A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.
A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year—and why they celebrate their African American history!
The poetic text includes selected lyrics from “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all. – Versify
Juneteenth / by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Drew Nelson ; illustrations by Mark Schroder.
June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. Enslaved African Americans worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people. – Lerner Publishing Group
The Juneteenth alphabet / words by Andrea Underwood Petifer ; pictures by Ana Latese.
Celebrate Juneteenth with this heartfelt introduction for kids ages 3 to 6.
A is for ancestors, and B is for Black. There is a complex history behind Juneteenth—but in The Juneteenth Alphabet, kids (and adults) can find celebratory moments of joy and inspiration as they learn about the origins and traditions of this day of freedom (for all!). Includes a glossary of key terms and a list of websites for further reading. – duopress
The Juneteenth cookbook : recipes and activities for kids and families to celebrate / Alliah L. Agostini with Chef Taffy Elrod ; illustrated by Sawyer Cloud.
Celebrate Juneteenth and radiate #BlackJoy through traditional food and cultural activities.
A commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, the Juneteenth holiday has been observed in the Black community for over 150 years. In The Juneteenth Cookbook, Alliah L. Agostini, author of the popular children’s book The Juneteenth Story—which won the 2022 Black Kid Lit Award for Best Historical title—brings the tradition to your home through historically accurate recipes and educational family activities.
With captivating illustrations of 18 quick and easy recipes, follow along with little Alliah and her grandparents as they explore the historical origins of the holiday through food. Make, share, and enjoy kid-friendly takes on some of the most popular Juneteenth celebration foods – becker&mayer! kids
Opal Lee and what it means to be free : the true story of the grandmother of Juneteenth / by Alice Faye Duncan ; illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo.
Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak’s stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn’t always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn’t freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past. – Alice Faye Duncan
Tell me about Juneteenth / written by Kortney Nash ; illustrated by DeAndra Hodge.
Celebrate Juneteenth with this empowering picture book!
On June 19th, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans were finally freed in Galveston, Texas. Every year, our community comes together to honor this special day. We play hopscotch, eat spice cake, and listen to music, but what about the first Juneteenth?
As family and friends recount their memories and stories of Juneteenths past, a young girl learns about the holiday’s longstanding history and traditions.
Filled with bright art, accessible language, and informational back matter, this educational book joyfully welcomes readers to the block party! – Godwin Books
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