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List: Juneteenth


A photo of An American story

An American story

From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people's struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be.

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A photo of Opal Lee and what it means to be free : the true story of the grandmother of Juneteenth

Opal Lee and what it means to be free : the true story of the grandmother of Juneteenth

"The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation's creed of "freedom for all." 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. 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! Opal Lee spent the rest of her life speaking up for equality and unity. She became a teacher, a charity worker, and a community leader. At the age of 89, she walked from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain national recognition for Juneteenth. Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn: all people are created equal; the power of bravery and using your voice for change; the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today; no one is free unless everyone is free; fighting for a dream is worth every difficulty."--

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

An African American family attends a modern-day Juneteenth parade in Galveston, Texas (the birthplace of the holiday). Text includes lines from "Lift Every Voice and Sing."

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A photo of The night before freedom : a Juneteenth story

The night before freedom : a Juneteenth story

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.

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A photo of The Juneteenth story : celebrating the end of slavery in the United States

The Juneteenth story : celebrating the end of slavery in the United States

"With colorful illustrations and a timeline, this introductory history of Juneteenth for kids details the evolution of the holiday commemorating the date the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom​. On June 19, 1865--more than two years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation--the enslaved people of Texas first learned of their freedom. That day became a day of remembrance and celebration that changed and grew from year to year. Learn about the events that led to emancipation and why it took so long for the enslaved people in Texas to hear the news. The first Juneteenth began as "Jubilee Day," where families celebrated and learned of their new rights as citizens. As Black Texans moved to other parts of the country, they brought their traditions along with them, and Juneteenth continued to grow and develop. Today, Juneteenth's powerful spirit has endured through the centuries to become an official holiday in the United States in 2021. The Juneteenth Story provides an accessible introduction for kids to learn about this important American holiday." --

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A photo of The story of Juneteenth

The story of Juneteenth

"On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the enslaved people of Texas finally learned that they were free. With this simple book, little ones will learn about the history of that first Juneteenth, how the celebration spread, and why we celebrate Juneteenth today"--

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A photo of Juneteenth for Mazie

Juneteenth for Mazie

Little Mazie wants the freedom to stay up late, but her father explains what freedom really means in the story of Juneteenth, and how her ancestors celebrated their true freedom.

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A photo of Free at last : a Juneteenth poem

Free at last : a Juneteenth poem

"Deeply emotional, evocative free verse by poet and activist Sojourner Kincaid Rolle traces the solemnity and celebration of Juneteenth from its 1865 origins in Galveston, Texas to contemporary observances all over the United States. This is an ode to the strength of Black Americans and a call to remember and honor a holiday whose importance reverberates far beyond the borders of Texas"--

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A photo of Build a house

Build a house

"Grammy 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."--

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A photo of Juneteenth : our day of freedom

Juneteenth : our day of freedom

"Learn more about Juneteenth, a holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader"--

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A photo of The real history of Juneteenth

The real history of Juneteenth

"Juneteenth is the celebration of the day enslaved people in Texas were were told they were freed. This book explores Juneteenth's little-told history, from the first Jubilee to the making of a national holiday"--

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A photo of A flag for Juneteenth

A flag for Juneteenth

"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."--

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

Learn about how freedom came to the slaves in June 1865.

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

"Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Across the country, people observe the day with speeches, poetry readings, festivals, picnics, street fairs, and family reunions. It is a day for people to come together and continue working toward equality. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways"--

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A photo of Hidden Black history : from Juneteenth to redlining

Hidden Black history : from Juneteenth to redlining

"From Juneteenth to the Tulsa Race Massacre, many important moments in Black American history have not been taught in schools or covered in the media. Discover these events and how they are remembered in the Black community today"--

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A photo of Juneteenth : a first look

Juneteenth : a first look

"Juneteenth is about being free. Young learners will explore the cultural and historic holiday through engaging text and photos"--

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

"Developed by literacy experts and educators for students in PreK through grade two, this book introduces beginning readers to Juneteenth through simple, predictable text and related photos"--

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

"Learn the basics about Juneteenth, also called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, and how the holiday celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the United States"--

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

"Relevant images match informative text in this introduction to Juneteenth. Intended for students in kindergarten through third grade"--

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

Provides information on the origin of Juneteenth and some of the ways in which it is celebrated.

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A photo of Come Juneteenth : [a novel]

Come Juneteenth : [a novel]

Fourteen-year-old Luli and her family face tragedy after failing to tell their slaves that President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation made them free.

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A photo of What is Juneteenth?

What is Juneteenth?

"On June 19, 1865, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered around a Union soldier and listened as he read the most remarkable words they would ever hear. They were no longer enslaved: they were free. The inhumane practice of forced labor with no pay was now illegal in all of the United States. This news was cause for celebration, so the group of people jumped in excitement, danced, and wept tears of joy. They did not know it at the time, but their joyous celebration of freedom would become a holiday--Juneteenth--that is observed each year by more and more Americans"--

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A photo of Let's celebrate Emancipation Day & Juneteenth

Let's celebrate Emancipation Day & Juneteenth

Abolitionists like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth fought for freedom from slavery for all African Americans. They fought with speeches, writings, and even daring rescue missions! Every year on both Emancipation Day and Juneteenth we honor and continue their fight for freedom and equality.

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A photo of Freedom's gifts : a Juneteenth story

Freedom's gifts : a Juneteenth story

When a girl from New York visits her cousin in Texas, she learns the origin of Juneteenth, a holiday marking the day Texan slaves realized they were free.

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A photo of Juneteenth

Juneteenth

"The Racial Justice in America: Histories series explores moments and eras in America's history that have been ignored or misrepresented in education due to racial bias. Juneteenth explores the history around the celebration in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. Developed in conjunction with educator, advocate, and author Kelisa Wing to reach children of all races and encourage them to approach our history with open eyes and minds. Books include 21st Century Skills and content, as well as activities created by Wing. Also includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, sidebars, educational matter, and activities"--

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A photo of Summer crafts across cultures : 12 projects to celebrate the season

Summer crafts across cultures : 12 projects to celebrate the season

"Summer is a season of celebration! Join the fun with thirteen festive crafts that celebrate holidays from around the world. Create a hibiscus straw to commemorate Juneteenth. Braid puzzle piece friendship bracelets to mark the International Day of Friendship. It's always the season for crafting!"--

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A photo of Juneteenth for Mazie

Juneteenth for Mazie

Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty and freedom on Juneteenth, a great day in American history, the day her ancestors were no longer slaves.

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