Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy

by Van G Garrett (Author) Samson Bimbo Adenugba (Illustrator)

Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas--birthplace of Juneteenth--through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history in a story from three Texan creators.

A young Black child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year--and why they celebrate their African American history!

The poetic text includes selected lyrics from "Lift Every Voice and Sing," the unofficial Black National Anthem, and the vibrant art illuminates the beauty of this moment of Black joy, celebrated across the nation. This vibrant adventure through the city streets invites young readers to make a joyful noise about freedom for all.

Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99

Kirkus Reviews

A stirring introduction to an important holiday.

School Library Journal

Starred Review
A perfect read-aloud and an excellent platform for discussing African American history.

Publisher's Weekly

Cements the day not merely as one of jubilation, but as a celebration of community too.

Review quotes

Imparting children with civic knowledge from a young age can be transformative, and Juneteenth does just that... Through beautiful illustrations and enlightening storytelling, kids will learn the importance of this holiday. — TODAY.com


An unfolding of the senses—sights, sounds, and scents of a parade—with the added enlightenment of the important history and significance of the celebration... A perfect read-aloud and an excellent platform for discussing African American history. — School Library Journal (starred review)


Vibrant, highly textured watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations depict the sense of community the author conveys through the simple, poetic text. An ideal read-aloud... A stirring introduction to an important holiday. — Kirkus Reviews


Garrett's observational storytelling combines detailed ink and watercolor scenes from muralists Adams and Adenugba to create a stirring portrait... Cements the day not merely as one of jubilation, but as a celebration of community too. — Publishers Weekly


Van G Garrett
Van G. Garrett is the winner of the Poetry Question National Chapbook Contest for Scrap and of the Best Book of African American Poetry from the Texas Association of Authors for 49: Wings and Prayers. He writes poetry, picture books, and fiction, and he is a musician and visual artist. vanggarrettpoet.com, Twitter: @vanggarrett1, Instagram: @vanggarrett


Reggie Brown is an artist with a background in graphic design. His multicultural upbringing as an African American and Filipino man drives his passion for illustrating children's stories and bringing underrepresented voices alive through art. He is a member of SCBWI and lives in San Diego with his wife. trendingcreativedesign.com, Twitter/Instagram: @reggiebrownart
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780358574323
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Versify
Publication date
May 20, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JUV023000 - Juvenile Fiction | Lifestyles | City & Town Life
JUV016140 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | United States - 19th Century
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
JUV017080 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Other, Non-Religious
JUV017130 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Patriotic Holidays
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
Library of Congress categories
African Americans
Picture books
Families
Family life
Parades
Galveston (Tex.)
Juneteenth

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