June 19th, 1865, began as another hot day in Texas. African American slaves worked in fields, in barns, and in the homes of the white people who owned them. Then a message arrived. Freedom! Slavery had ended! The Civil War had actually ended in April. It took two months for word to reach Texas. Still the joy of that amazing day has never been forgotten. Every year, people all over the United States come together on June 19th to celebrate the end of slavery. Join in the celebration of Juneteenth, a day to remember and honor freedom for all people.
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson credits her love of books to her late parents, who faithfully read to her every night. Through her work she hopes to give young people some of what her parents gave her — opportunities to grow through story. The author has been a teacher, newspaper reporter, bookseller, recreation specialist, children’s librarian, and has served on Newbery and Caldecott Awards committees. She holds master’s degrees from The Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College, Vermont, and from the University of Pittsburgh School of Library and Information Science. The Pennsylvania native currently lives in New Mexico, with her husband, Drew, co-author of this book.
Read Aloud Tips
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Read at a consistent and steady pace, not too slow or not too fast.
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Encourage the students to make mental images of what’s being read, aside from the illustrations.
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Make this book memorable. Incorporate some sort of activity, snack, or memorabilia piece to have the students remember the story.
Information about Juneteenth traditions–such as red velvet cake and red soda pop as symbols of bloodshed in the battle for freedom–will help young readers plan jubilees of their own. – Jennifer Mattson, Booklist