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Creating diverse bookshelves for our children and engaging in frequent conversations around race, activism, and social justice is how we begin to work together to combat racism in America.
If you're looking for a Juneteenth book list for kids that will help answer questions you and your child may have about the holiday and topics related to slavery and racism, the following list of resources include some of the best kids books on the topic.
The books we've chosen answer questions like, "why is it called Juneteenth?" and "why is Juneteenth important?" With engaging stories that evoke emotion and empathy and beautiful illustrations to bring Juneteenth history to life, these books deserve a spot in your home library.
Books that introduce the topic of chattel slavery
Explaining slavery to children can seem like a challenge, but as mom of three Amiyrah Martin explained on her blog, 4 Hats and Frugal, broaching the subject of slavery is actually quite simple.
"If your child is old enough to understand the idea of 'stranger danger,'" then they’re old enough to understand the basic concept of slavery, Martin said. "In the most simple terms, you can compare slavery and the Middle Passage to being approached and taken by a stranger, away from your home and family, to a new and strange place," Martin wrote.
The following books would be ideal to read before tackling your Juneteenth book list to ensure your child understands the depth and breadth of chattel slavery.
1. Who Owns the Sun by Stacy Chbosky acts as an introduction to the concept of what it meant for people to own other people as their property.
2. Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story From the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine is about a young enslaved boy who is sold away from his family and everything he knows.
3. Freedom in Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford introduces readers to the life of enslaved African's living in New Orleans.
4. Circle Unbroken by Margot Theis Raven shares the story of sweetgrass baskets and the Gullah Geechee culture in the Lowcountry sea islands of South Carolina.
Juneteenth history: A book list for kids
Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 ended slavery in the Southern States. It would take two whole years before neighboring states would get the memo — in the form of General Order No. 3 — which was announced by Union General Gordon Granger on June 19th, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth celebrates this joyous occasion.
The holiday has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years, given the current racial climate. The following book list for kids helps illustrate what Juneteenth is, how it came to be and how it's celebrated.
5. Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom by Charles Taylor is geared toward children ages 10 and up. It provides direct insight into what happened on June 19th, 1865 when enslaved Africans in Texas learned that they were free.
6. All Different Now: Juneteenth the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson depicts beautifully the range of emotions enslaved Africans experience when they hear the good news.
7. Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford follows a young girl who experiences her first Juneteenth celebration and finds a sense of community and belonging in her new town.
Raising anti-racist children: Books to teach kindness and empathy
Global pandemic aside, CNN pointed out that 2020 was the year when, "No matter where you turned, you couldn't ignore reality. America was the epicenter of a racial reckoning."
That has spilled over into the books people are reading for themselves and buying for their children. According to Minneapolis-based children's bookstore manager, Katie McGinley, 95% of the store's book sales last spring were about race and social justice, as noted on the Marketplace website.
It's clear that teaching children kindness and empathy and how to be anti-racist is vital. These books can help parents start the conversation.
8. Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall encourages empathy and understanding as it helps children move beyond the expectations of others.
9. Mixed: A Colorful Story by Aree Chung is a whimsical story with deep meaning that embraces coming together and accepting and embracing one another despite differences.
10. A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory clearly explains to children what racism is and how to recognize it. The book encourages empathy and understanding in a clear and concise way.
When choosing Juneteenth book options for your family, seek out authors' own voices; those who are part of the community, or members of the culture they're writing about.
Similarly, when introducing the topic of slavery to young children, take care not to start Black History lessons with the topic of slavery. Include books set in African countries on your bookshelves. Teach your child about African art, cultural traditions, and history before discussing slavery.
