Discussing historical events with a child can be a difficult task. So how do you explain Juneteenth to them? Children are curious, and they can ask a mountain of questions, which can get tricky, especially if the subject matter is challenging. These children-friendly books make Juneteenth digestible, interactive, and most importantly, record an accurate account for kids. Below you will find a synopsis of books for three levels: preschool, elementary, and middle school.

Take a look below:

• ‘The Story of Juneteenth’ by Dorena Williamson- Preschool

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  This board book introduces children to June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas where Union General Gordon Granger informed enslaved people that the Civil War was over and that they were free. This happened two years after the war had officially ended. 

• ‘Juneteenth: A Children’s Story’ by Opal Lee – Elementary

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  Written by Opal Lee who has also taken the nickname of "Grandmother of Juneteenth" because of her social activism, tells the story of the June 19, 1865 event that is engaging for children. Fun Fact: In 2016 at 90 years of age, she launched a walking campaign to Washington, D.C. to bring awareness of the need for Juneteenth to be a National Day of Observance.

• ‘Juneteenth for Mazie’ by Floyd Cooper – Elementary

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  This book is taken from the perspective of Mazie, a young girl who is celebrating the freedom of her ancestors with her family.
• ‘Raven The Great: What is Juneteenth?’ by Paulette McClain- Elementary

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  'Raven The Great: What is Juneteenth?' is told from the perspective of an 11-year-old African American girl named Raven (Rae Rae) from Louisana as she presents the meaning of Juneteenth to her curious classmates. 

• ‘The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure’ by Steven Otfinoski – Middle School

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  'The Story of Juneteenth: An Interactive History Adventure' takes you on a journey. With this book as your guide, children are able to choose from three story paths, 46 choices, and 22 endings on what they would decide to due given the news on June 19, 1865, as a former enslaved person.

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