Booklists for Educators

Learn about Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth”, and her fight to make June 19th a federally recognized holiday

Dedicated to the strength of Black Americans, this poem chronicles the history of Juneteenth from its origins to present day remembrances.

Part of the series Left Out of History, this title explores the little-known history of the Juneteenth, from 1865 through the present.

Read about the very first celebration of Juneteenth, when the last group of enslaved people were freed in Texas on June 19th, 1865.

Learn about “Jubilee Day”, the earliest celebration of Juneteenth, when enslaved families in Texas finally heard the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865, two years after it was written.

New readers can explore the history and evolution of Juneteenth in this simple and direct story about our newest federal holiday.

Two brothers explore their neighborhood on their way to the big Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy this heartwarming story centered around the love they share.

Based on a song she wrote, Grammy award winning author Rhiannon Giddens tells the story of enslavement and freedom.

This lyrical picture book is about a young Black child experiencing the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time in Galveston, Texas – home of Juneteenth.

Using rhyming words and stunning illustrations that build with anticipation, this book tells the story of a Black family gathering to hear the history of Juneteenth.