Essential Juneteenth Picture Books
An RA Book List
"Juneteenth means freedom. Juneteenth means equality. Juneteenth means justice."
— Opal Lee
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and equality. As we honor this significant day, we have curated a list of inspiring picture books and early readers that capture the spirit, history, and cultural significance of Juneteenth. These beautifully illustrated stories are perfect for young readers, offering an engaging way to learn about this pivotal moment in American history and the ongoing journey towards justice and equality.
So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story by Anne Wynter; illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey
This is a powerful celebration of freedom after bondage, and I’ll be adding it to my “grief and hard conversations” shelf. I believe it will deeply resonate with single parents and children who are leaving abuse and reclaiming life after years of suffering.
If you’re looking for a book of “black joy”, this is a great one!
Freedom’s Gifts: A Juneteenth Story by Valerie Wesley; Illustrated by Sharon Wilson
A multi-generational story about remembering and passing down personal history so it isn’t lost—centered on a great-aunt, a former slave, sharing her experiences with her young nieces around Juneteenth.
Free At Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle; illustrated by Alex Bostic
This book is beautifully illustrated and lyrically told—a poetic journey that powerfully explores both bondage and freedom. It’s a soul-stirring story and a wonderful choice for read-alouds.
Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan
A heartwarming story about finding a sense of belonging and feeling truly at home after a move, as well as a wonderful introduction to Juneteenth, set in Texas.
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan; illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
I’ve often been asked to recommend my top three titles from this list for a lending library, and this beautifully told picture book biography of activist Opal Lee always tops that list.
Juneteenth: A Children’s Story by Opal Lee; illustrated by Peter Viska
This is a great overview of Juneteenth—its history and the importance of celebrating it today—told by activist Opal Lee.
Ben and the Emancipation Proclamation by Pat Sherman; illustrated by Floyd Cooper
This is a general Emancipation Proclamation story about a young boy who works hard to learn to read, ultimately becoming a blessing to his community as he reads the Emancipation Proclamation aloud to them.
The Story of Juneteenth by Dorena Williamson
A sweet and simple board book that serves as a perfect first introduction to Juneteenth.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis
A touching story about Texas cotton pickers receiving the news of their freedom on the first Juneteenth.
A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor
A beautifully illustrated story, featuring hand-sewn artwork by the author, an expert quilter. This piece of historical fiction follows a young girl who celebrates her birthday on the day freedom was announced in Galveston, as her community comes together to create a freedom flag.
The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini; illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
A richly detailed (aka: verbose) picture book that offers a thorough history of Juneteenth, told through the lens of a young girl and her parents as they read aloud together and learn their history as a family.
Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy by Van G. Garrett
A child experiences their first Juneteenth parade and learns about the holiday, accompanied by the powerful lyrics of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers by Arlisha Norwood
A compelling blend of charts, graphs, and narrative that traces the history of slavery, the journey to emancipation, and the origins of Juneteenth.
The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story by Glenda Armand
A “’Twas the Night Before”–style poem about Juneteenth, this book is a perfect introduction for young children who enjoy vibrant illustrations and rhyming lines.
Juneteenth For Mazie by Floyd Cooper
A sweet story about a little girl learning to cope with being told “no,” as she’s introduced to the history of her people—their hardships and the struggles for freedom before 1865.
Juneteenth by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Drew Nelson- An early reader that explores the holiday's history, provides a brief overview of American slavery, and highlights current celebrations.
The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate by Alliah L. Agostini with Chef Taffy Elrod; illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
I’ve only read parts of this cookbook myself, but it appears to be a thoughtful collection of personal stories, recipes, and simple crafts designed to enrich a Juneteenth celebration—created by the author of The Juneteenth Story.
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Exclusive for Our RA Consortium Members
The following printable Juneteenth booklist is created especially for our current paid supporters. It’s intended for personal use or sharing within your private lending libraries. The PDF is printable and includes curated book recommendations along with links to additional resources for learning and celebration.