Juneteenth: Books for Kids

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, Juneteenth recognizes the date when enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned the Civil War was over and they were free. Minnesota has observed Juneteenth since 1996, and it was designated as a federal holiday in 2021. Learn more in these recommended reads for kids and teens!

Updated May 26, 2026
W
WashCoLib
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
All different now : Juneteenth, the first day of freedom
Johnson, Angela
Paper Book
Experience the joy of Juneteenth in this celebration of freedom from the award-winning team of Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis. Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the...
Free at last : a Juneteenth poem
Kincaid-Rolle, Sojourner
Paper Book
This lyrical celebration of Juneteenth, deeply rooted in Black American history, spans centuries and reverberates loudly and proudly today.After 300 years of forced bondage;hands bound, descendants of Africapicked up their souls--all that they owned--leaving shackles where they fell on the ground...
Juneteenth
Garrett, Van G.
Paper Book
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...
Juneteenth is
Tripplett, Natasha
Paper Book
2024 Golden Poppy Award Winner An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of a family and a community.  Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and...
Juneteenth : our day of freedom
Wyeth, Sharon Dennis
Ebook
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. On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation...
The night before freedom : a Juneteenth story
Armand, Glenda
Paper Book
This moving picture book tells the story of Juneteenth with all the care and reverence such a holiday deserves. The rhyming text and stunning illustrations will teach children about this historic day in history. 'Twas the night before freedom, and all through the South,
Opal Lee and what it means to be free : the true story of the grandmother of Juneteenth
Duncan, Alice Faye
Paper Book
Booklist starred review 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...
So many years : a Juneteenth story
Wynter, Anne
Paper Book
The celebrated author of Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Nell Plants a Tree and a Caldecott Honor artist come together for a poetic picture book introduction to Juneteenth and its origin. Oh, how you would dance! How you would sing! How you would celebrate! With lyrical...
They built me for freedom : the story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park
Ellis, Tonya Duncan
Paper Book
SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Honor Winner! Debut picture book author Tonya Duncan Ellis and acclaimed artist Jenin Mohammed bring us a vibrant, moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas--and the origins of Juneteenth. When people visit me, they are...
What is Juneteenth?
Jewel, Kirsti
Paper Book
Discover more about Juneteenth, the important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered around a Union solder and listened as he read the most remarkable words they...
Melodies of the Weary Blues: Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People
Hughes, Langston
Paper Book
A gorgeously illustrated centennial of Langston Hughes' first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, this picture book includes select poems paired with vibrant artwork by more than twenty talented Black illustrators, including award-winners Oge Mora, Frank Morrison, Janelle Washington,...
Build a house
Giddens, Rhiannon
Paper Book
Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens celebrates Black history and culture in her unflinching, uplifting, and gorgeously illustrated picture book debut. I learned your words and wrote my song. I put my story down. As an acclaimed musician, singer, songwriter,...
The library in the woods
Ramsey, Calvin A.
Paper Book
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award A Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books of the Year After a storm devastates the farm his parents have been renting, Junior moves with his family to...
Carrimebac : the town that walked
Moore, David Barclay
Paper Book
A stunning feat of original storytelling from the recipient of the 2018 John Steptoe New Talent Author Award In a boldly transportive original tale, David Barclay Moore infuses history with wry folk wisdom, metaphorical power, and a splash of magic. The Civil War may be over, but...
Our children can soar a celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the pioneers of change
Cook, Michelle
Ebook
An inspirational, poetic tribute to America's most important change-makers. Celebrating accomplishments of important figures from the birth of the Civil Rights movement to the historical election of President Barack Obama, this resonant book show young readers that anyone can...
How to build a museum : Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture
Bolden, Tonya
Paper Book
Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is truly groundbreaking!  The first national museum whose mission is to illuminate for all people, the rich, diverse, complicated, and important experiences and contributions of African Americans in...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.