I’m totally pumped about Juneteenth National Independence Day because our favorite community event is back in person after two years of virtual programming. I’ve lost track, but I believe this will be our fourth time attending the festivities at the Atlanta History Center, and it’s always such an immersive experience with historical interpreters, cooking demos, special performances, activities, and more. I’m seriously getting excited just writing about it, and I can’t wait to dive into our collection of Juneteenth books as we count down the days.

Juneteenth is a celebration marking an end to slavery in the United States. Though Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, very few people were immediately freed. A full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and two long months after Richmond fell, the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were pronounced free people. That momentous date, June 19, 1865, has been proclaimed Juneteenth and celebrated annually ever since.

Atlanta History Center

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In the weeks leading up to the big day, my family is spending time reading and enjoying Juneteenth books that help us remember the significance of the day. Some of them are poignant, others are purely informational, and a few are celebratory in every way. If you’d like to join us in commemorating our newest national holiday, check out these Juneteenth books:

The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers – “This colorfully illustrated story takes kids on an exciting journey through all the events that led up to the first Juneteenth, the day itself, and the impact it had on the future of the United States. Teach new readers about an important piece of African-American history with this kid-friendly Juneteenth book.”

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth – “Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story 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. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate “freedom for all.”

The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States – “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. The Juneteenth Story provides an accessible introduction for kids to learn about this important American holiday.”

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.”

What Is Juneteenth? – “Author Kirsti Jewel shares stories from Juneteenth celebrations, both past and present, and chronicles the history that led to the creation of this joyous day. With 80 black-and-white illustrations and an engaging 16-page photo insert, readers will be excited to read this book.”

Juneteenth (On My Own Holidays) – “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.”

Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom (Step into Reading) – “Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader.”

Additional Juneteenth Books & Resources

• More Juneteenth books: Juneteenth Books: Celebrating Freedom!
• What Juneteenth means to my family: Juneteenth is Our Fourth of July
• Juneteenth recipes and Juneteenth menu ideas

You can find me hanging out on Instagram @heritagemomblog, and if you’re interested in curating an inclusive home atmosphere that celebrates diversity and kinship, please check out my new book, A PLACE TO BELONG.