Juneteenth Books, Resources, and Activities Perfect for Kids
June 19th marks Juneteenth, which commemorates of the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth also known as Emancipation Day, dates back to 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom more than two years after President Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth celebrations have grown over the years and now include parades, festivals, and barbeques. Jump into the festivities with some recommended resources and activities perfect for young children.
Read & Learn
Read up on Juneteenth, African American history, and stories of triumph and resilience. Have thoughtful discussions on the past and the present, and explore the true meaning of freedom.
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
Juneteenth Jamboree by Carol Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Yvonne Buchanann
The ABC’s of Black History by Rio Cortez, pictures by Lauren Semmer
Black is A Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Freedom Bird by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by James E. Ransome
A Child’s Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People and Events that Shaped our Country by Jabari Asim, Illustrated by Lynn Gaines
Juneteenth by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Drew Nelson, illustrated by Mark Schroder
Let’s Celebrate Emancipation Day and Juneteenth by Barbara DeRubertis
Hidden Black History: From Juneteenth to Redlining by Amanda Jackson Green
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure by Steven Otfinoski
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Sing & Learn
Include music in your celebrations and discussions. Songs are also stories and are great learning opportunities. Often referred to as the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, written by James Weldon Johnson drives home the message of freedom, liberty, and hope for African Americans. Additionally exploring other collections of African American songs and rhymes helps keep the history alive.
Lift Every Voice & Sing by James Weldon Johnson, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Sing a Song: How "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Keith Mallett
Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin, and Turn it Out! Collection of Songs, Rhymes, and Stories Focused on the African American Experience by Pat Mckissack, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
Virtual Programs
The New York Public Library is pleased to offer virtual programs to celebrate Juneteenth. These free programs will be happening online this month.
Juneteenth Storytimes
Watch NYPL librarians and authors read aloud with Juneteenth themed storytimes.
Juneteenth Freedom Writing onThursday, June 17 at 3:30pm
Freedom Writing with Fyutch Simmons, music and social justice artist.
Juneteenth Virtual Jeopardy on Friday, June 18th at 1pm
Test your knowledge and learn more about Juneteenth at a fun and informal virtual jeopardy session.
Dive Deeper With Databases
Check out these NYPL online resources to learn more and help facilitate your discussions.
Biography In Context –Search some of the people involved in the fight for freedom such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and John Brown.
Freedom Flix – Dynamic e-books that bring history to life. Explore books and videos on the Emancipation Proclamation, Slavery and the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and more. Discussion questions and project ideas included.
Kids InfoBits – Kid-friendly articles on people, places, and events. Search Juneteenth, abolitonist movement, emancipation proclamation, underground railroad, and more.
Explore More
Check out these additional resources from other organizations:
National Musuem of African American History & Culture
Check out their Virtual Juneteenth Celebrations of Resilience on Saturday – June 19https://nmaahc.si.edu/events/upcoming
Museum of the American Revolution
Virtual Juneteenth programs from June 17 – 21 https://www.amrevmuseum.org/events/juneteenth-with-the-museum