On June 19, 1865—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved African-Americans that they were free and that the Civil War had ended. Since then, communities across the country have celebrated Juneteenth (which is derived from June and 19), with parades, speeches, music and more, as an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America.
While the holiday has been celebrated every year since the late 1800s, in the past few years there’s been a resurgence around the day as more people speak out against systematic racism in America. In 2021, President Biden officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday. To celebrate this year, take the day to reflect on the past and learn about the history of Juneteenth and racial injustice in America. Then, make a plan on ways you can help to create equality for all.
In this article: Best children’s books that celebrate JuneteenthJuneteenth baby book
Mudpuppy Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book by Tonya Abari and Tabitha Brown (Illustrator) Image: mudpuppy Buying Options Bookshop.org | $9.29 Mudpuppy | $9.99It’s never too early to start celebrating your history. Filled with bright and bold illustrations that celebrate Juneteenth alongside rhyming prose, this board book is the perfect size for little hands.
Age range: 0 to 5 years
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The Story of Juneteenth by Dorena Williamson, Markia Jenai (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | $7.43 Mahogany Books | $7.99This board book introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the events of June 19, 1865 in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Using colorful illustrations, the book helps teach little ones how those events connect to modern day Juneteenth celebrations.
Age range: 2 to 5 years
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The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini, Sawyer Cloud (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | From $9.29 African Bookstore | $21.99In her picture book, Agostini details an illustrated history of Juneteenth and its evolution, starting from the first celebration in 1865 all the way to 2021, when it was made a federal holiday. The book teaches about why it took so long for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas to get the news and how Juneteenth has grown over the years.
Age range: 6 to 9 years
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All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson, E.B. Lewis (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | $16.73 Barnes & Noble | $17.99Told through the eyes of a little girl in free-verse poetry, the book tells the story of the first Juneteenth. The picture book also includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.
Age range: 5 to 9 years
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Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | From $9.29 Mahogany Books | $15.95Cooper tells the story of a young girl named Mazie, as she talks to her father about the meaning of Juneteenth. Together, they remember the struggles and the triumphs of their ancestors and get ready to celebrate freedom.
Age range: 6 to 9 years
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J Is for Juneteenth by Jamariah Cross, Kimani Prince, Ariyah Webster and Reyhana Ismail (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | $17.66 Barnes & Noble | $18.99Written by three young writers as part of a collaborative youth writing competition hosted by the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, J is for Juneteenth was published in 2024. By spelling out the word “Juneteenth,” the authors lead readers through a joyful and thoughtful celebration of the history of this important holiday.
Age range: 7 to 8 years
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Juneteenth Jamboree by Carole Boston Weatherford, Yvonne Buchanan (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | $11.11 BuyBlackAuthors.com | $13.99Written with powerful text and illustrations, the book tells the story of a young girl named Cassandra and her family, who have just moved to Texas. Together they celebrate Juneteenth for the first time, with lots of delicious food, friends and fun.
Age range: 6 to 9 years
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Juneteenth by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Drew Nelson, Mark Schroder (Illustrator) Image: Barnes & Noble Buying Options Barnes & Noble | $8.99The book paints a picture of what life was like on June 19, 1865 in Texas. The story presents easy-to-digest information for young readers and teaches about the history and importance of the holiday.
Age range: 6 to 12 years
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Juneteenth by Rachel Grack Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | From $7.99This engaging book teaches children the origins and traditions of Juneteenth, all while honoring the freedom of Black Americans. It includes photo labels, glossary of terms and vocabulary and maps to show where Juneteenth began and is celebrated most. Plus, it also offers activity pages full of crafts and recipes to help you celebrate.
Age range: 4 to 8 years
Buy NowInspiring Juneteenth book
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan, Keturah A. Bobo (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | $16.73 Barnes & Noble | From $7.99Duncan and Bobo tell the true story of Opal Lee, a Black activist commonly referred to as “the grandmother of Juneteenth,” who has spent her life working to spread awareness about the holiday and its significance. The book inspires kids to follow their dreams and teaches the power of bravery and speaking up for change, all while celebrating Black joy .
Age range: 4 to 8 years
Buy NowJuneteenth book written by an activist
Juneteenth: A Children's Story Special Edition by Opal Lee, Peter Viska (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | From $17.99Lee, 95, the activist who serves as the protagonist for Duncan’s book, came out with this book in March 2022. It teaches children about the history of slavery in an age-appropriate manner, with words they can understand. It also celebrates the important milestone of Juneteenth finally being recognized as a national holiday.
Age range: 5 to 8 years
Buy NowJuneteenth book by an expert quilter
A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | $17.66Debut author Kim Taylor used her quilting skills to depict this tale set in 1865. The story follows a young African-American girl called Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag. Each of the illustrations has been lovingly hand sewn and quilted, giving the book a homespun, tactile quality that is altogether unique.
Age range: 4 to 8 years
Buy NowJuneteenth book about self-love
Juneteenth by Anece Rochell, Audeva Joseph (Illustrator) Image: Bookshop.org Buying Options Bookshop.org | $12.99 Kizzy’s Books & More | $12.99Juneteenth is part of Rochell’s Beautiful Me series, which teaches young children messages of self-love, kindness and inclusivity. The book follows Daylen, a young boy who’s excited to share his knowledge of the holiday. It teaches little ones the origins, customs and importance of June 19.
Age range: 4 to 7 years
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Nehal Aggarwal is an editor at The Bump, where she writes about all things pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. In her role, she’s written and edited robust articles on all those wacky pregnancy symptoms, how to encourage baby’s development and the best baby brands to support. Spanning a seven-year career in digital content and media—five of which have been at The Bump—she’s passionate about providing readers with thorough and trustworthy content that makes daily life easier to navigate and helps them embrace their journeys with confidence.
>Plus, more from The Bump: > Powerful Children’s Books About Race and Racism > Black-Owned Business to Support Right Now (and Always) > When and How to Talk to Your Kids About Race
