10 Juneteenth Children's Books

Books give families an amazing opportunity to center stories, experiences, and history they may have never heard. What better example of this than read-alouds about Juneteenth, an important historical event that just became recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. Take a moment to explore these child-friendly books and learn more about how your family can honor the history of this holiday.

1.  “The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States (Holiday Celebration)” written by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud

Using colorful illustrations and clear and kid-friendly language, this book explains how, despite Independence Day,  June 19, 1865 became the true day of freedom for Texas’s enslaved people. “The Juneteenth Story” does a great job outlining the timeline of Juneteenth- sharing how enslaved Africans first learned they were free to describing early Jubilee Day celebrations to Jim Crow restrictions to how Juneteenth became a federally recognized U.S. holiday.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

2.  “Juneteenth for Mazie” written by Floyd Cooper

Mazie learns about her Grandpa Mose, both his experience being enslaved and the celebrations that came with learning about the Emancipation Proclamation. She's ready to celebrate a pivotal moment in American history—the day her ancestors were finally freed from slavery. Mazie is filled with pride as she learns about the African American fight for freedom, from Juneteenth to the Civil Rights Movement. As Juneteenth approaches, Mazie reflects on the hardships they endured and the victories they achieved, embracing the significance of this powerful day.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

3.  “Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth” written by Alice Faye Duncan and illustrated by  Keturah A. Bobo
 
This picture books recounts the true story of Opal Lee, an inspiring woman who faced injustice as a child and dreamed of making Juneteenth a national holiday. Follow Opal Lee’s story as she shares with her grandchildren what it was like to live through Emancipation, Jim Crow, and to fight for justice, and find moments of joy and celebration. This inspiring historical account shows how one brave woman, rooted in history and hope, turned pain into power and helped the world remember that freedom belongs to everyone.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

4.  “A Flag for Juneteenth”written by Kim Taylor

In A Flag for Juneteenth, young Huldah turns ten the same day freedom comes to her Texas community. Through stunning quilted art, author Kim Taylor brings the joy, hope, and unity of that first Juneteenth to life in this story of Huldah and her family as they create a one-of-a-kind representation of their freedom.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

5.  “Juneteenth: A Children’s Story Special Edition” written by Opal Lee

This communal read-aloud of Juneteenth: A Children’s Story Special Edition, teaches young readers about the history of enslavement, freedom, and the importance of Juneteenth. Ms. Opal Lee, considered the Grandmother of Juneteenth, shares these experiences in a way that encourages understanding and meaningful conversations.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

6.  “Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth” written by Tonya Abari and illustrated by Tabitha Brown

Celebrate freedom with Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth, a vibrant board book for babies and toddlers!  Little ones are introduced to Juneteenth with bold, colorful art and lots of rhymes. This read aloud is a great introduction for Toddlers to the celebration and history of Juneteenth.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

7.  “All Different Now: Juneteenth the 1st Day of Freedom”  written by Angela Johnson and illustrated by  E.B. Lewis

Celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth through the eyes of a young girl in All Different Now, a beautifully illustrated story about the day freedom reached the last enslaved people in the South and the night that followed—marking a new beginning and a powerful moment in American history.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

8.  “The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story”  written by Glenda Armand and illustrated by Corey Barksdale

In this heartfelt story told in lyrical rhyme, young David hears his grandma recount the first Juneteenth—when freedom finally reached Galveston, Texas. Inspired by family tradition and history, this picture book honors the legacy of emancipation for generations to come.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

9.  “Juneteenth Jamboree” written by  Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan

Cassie feels out of place after moving to Texas—until a surprise Juneteenth celebration fills her day with the joy of tradition! Through food, family, and festivity, she discovers the historical meaning of freedom for people who look like her. Through this heartfelt tribute to heritage and belonging, we follow Cassie as she starts to feel at home and learn about Juneteenth.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

10. “Jaylen’s Juneteenth Surprise” written by  Lavaille Lavette and illustrated by  David Wilkerson

Jayylen learns about Juneteenth from his Paw Paw Jimmy, who shares its meaning and music. Excited for the celebration Jayylen practices playing the frottoir, a washboard instrument played in Zydeco music. Follow Jayylen and family as they prepare a special surprise to honor the day when freedom was finally announced to enslaved African Americans.

Listen to a live read-aloud - click here.

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