Juneteenth marks an important event in our nation’s history, commemorating June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger announced to the people of Galveston, Texas that all enslaved people were now free. Today, Americans celebrate this federal holiday to recognize this landmark event in our nation’s history.
You don’t have to be an expert on American history or the holiday itself to start a conversation with your child about Juneteenth. Use the recommendations below from our literacy program, George’s Book Club, to learn more about the holiday through literature.
- “Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free" by Alice Faye Duncan tells the true story of Black activist, Opal Lee fighting to improve the future by honoring the past. This book is recommended for readers aged six to ten.
- "All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom" by Angela Johnson tells the story of the first Juneteenth. This picture book is recommended to start the conversation about Juneteenth with your children.
- "The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story" by Glenda Armand is aimed at teaching children about this historic day through rhymes! This book is great for younger readers.
- "A Flag for Juneteenth" by Kim Taylor is a picture book aimed to share the powerful story of the first Juneteenth through the eyes of a young girl to young readers.
- "Build a House" by Rhiannon Giddens is recommended for readers aged seven to ten. This dynamic book brings storytelling alive and is based on the song “Build a House” composed for the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth.
These are just a few examples of the many important stories you can read to expand your and your child’s knowledge of Juneteenth. To learn about more ways you can recognize Juneteenth, visit here.
About George's Book Club
At Valley Children’s Healthcare, our Literacy Program is known as George’s Book Club and has a mission to put a brand new book in the hands of any patient at our hospital who wants one. Kids get to keep all books, and many of our out-patient clinics also have books available for patients and siblings. We encourage staff to talk with parents or caregivers on the importance of reading to or with children. To support George’s Book Club or to donate, learn more here.
