Celebrate Juneteenth with These Books

June 14, 2021 Stephanie Class

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States of America on June 19, 1865.

Whether you prefer to dive into fiction or non-fiction, these book selections can provide a solid insight into the history of Juneteenth across many reading levels.

Book Recommendations

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson

This children’s book is great for introducing young readers to the history of Juneteenth, and the importance of celebrating the date in history.

Juneteenth: A Novel by Ralph Ellison

Published posthumously, Ellison’s novel examines the subject of race through fascinating characters and an intricately developed story.

Come Juneteenth by Ann Rinaldi

Ann Rinaldi’s historical drama takes readers into the hearts and minds of a Texas family living through the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation and the events leading up to Juneteenth.

Juneteenth for Mazie by Cooper Floyd

This picture book follows Mazie as she learns about her family’s journey to freedom and celebrates Juneteenth with her loved ones. It’s also full of great illustrations.

The History of Juneteenth by Maximilian Smith

Like Juneteenth for Mazie, Smith’s book also helps to educate young readers on the history of Juneteenth. This non-fiction book recalls the important events in American history that paved the way for Juneteenth, and is both an interesting and informative selection for children.