Tiny Mason has nothing of her own, even her last name belongs to her master. In June of 1865, the Texas slaves hear rumors the war is over and they will soon be free. Tiny, impatient for freedom, sneaks away from the Mason Plantation in the back of a wagon bound for Galveston. In that port city, she hears Major General Granger read the proclamation announcing the slaves are free. Tiny joins the spontaneous celebration of her release from slavery, but her former owner tries to prevent the young girl from living a free life. The Young Texans Series spotlights origin of Juneteenth.
Linda Baten Johnson has spent hours packing and unpacking as she has moved more than twenty times. While rearranging furniture and rehanging pictures over the years, Linda successfully earned a master’s degree, worked as a Realtor, a teacher, and wrote nine books and more than fifty readers’ theater scripts. She and her husband love America’s National Parks and one volunteer assignment was hosting visitors at a lighthouse in Michigan where they lived in the assistant keeper’s cottage. Linda loves researching for her books, particularly the Young Texans Series which places children in the heart of historic events.
Read Aloud Tips
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Extend the book by looking up new vocabulary words or topics.
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Use expression when reading. Change your tone to fit the character and scene.
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Use this book to foster conversation about the importance of Juneteenth, race, and the history of America.