Overview

An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm look at a family and a community.  Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another. This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. With poignant text and vivid illustrations, Juneteenth Is offers a window and a mirror for readers, resonating with kids who will see themselves reflected in its pages and those who hope to understand experiences beyond their own. CELEBRATES BLACK JOY: At its root, this is a story of family and community. Vibrant illustrations capture the warmth and unity of Black families and Black communities in a portrait of beautiful joy. REMEMBERING A LEGACY: Both a story of celebration and a commemoration of freedom, this book honors a past of struggle, resilience, and triumph. It recognizes Juneteenth not just as a holiday but as a cultural legacy. INCLUDES AN AUTHOR’S NOTE: Additional backmatter explains the significance of the color red to Juneteenth—its use as a symbol of African American endurance and the ways Black communities weave the color into modern-day celebrations through food and clothing. BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY: Juneteenth marks an undeniable truth of American history and remains a cultural touchstone for many Black Americans, making it important for all Americans to understand. POIGNANT & TIMELY: This is a much-needed book in a time of growing representation and discussion about equity and social justice. With accessible text, it will serve as a strong resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce Black history and encourage respectful conversations. Perfect for: Black families Teachers and librarians Kids interested in books about African American history Anyone looking for diverse picture books by Black creators Gift-giving for Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month, or classroom bookshelf

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9781797216805

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Reviews

"""This story strikes a balance between the celebratory aspects of the holiday and its historical origins. The strength of family and the power of community come through clearly."" -- Kirkus Reviews"

"""This story offers a poignant and deeply meaningful look at the holiday through the eyes of one extended family. Tripplett's text is a heartfelt ode to the holiday... O'Brien's smooth, emotion-packed illustrations are the perfect counterpart, uplifting the text and sharing a story of their own."" -- School Library Journal ""This story strikes a balance between the celebratory aspects of the holiday and its historical origins. The strength of family and the power of community come through clearly."" -- Kirkus Reviews"

"""[A]n inclusive portrait of a close-knit contemporary community in conversation with history's resonances."" --Publishers Weekly ""This story offers a poignant and deeply meaningful look at the holiday through the eyes of one extended family. Tripplett's text is a heartfelt ode to the holiday... O'Brien's smooth, emotion-packed illustrations are the perfect counterpart, uplifting the text and sharing a story of their own."" -- School Library Journal ""This story strikes a balance between the celebratory aspects of the holiday and its historical origins. The strength of family and the power of community come through clearly."" -- Kirkus Reviews"

Author Information

Natasha Tripplettlives in Northern California, where she writes from a tree house perched in a sycamore. She is a Jamaican Jewish American author who is passionate about cultural representation in children’s literature. You can visit her at natashabooks.com. Daniel J. O'Brien is a Trinidadian-born author and illustrator. He holds a BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts. He currently lives in New York with his fantastic partner and loyal dog. You can visit him at danielostudios.com.

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