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.
“The Story of Juneteenth” by Steven Otfinoski
The Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil War have brought an official end to slavery, yet some Southern slave owners are refusing to comply. The road to freedom is still long and hard for many African Americans, but you’re not giving up. Will you: Overcome obstacles as you make your way north from Texas, looking to begin a new life of freedom? Seek out your family, from whom you were separated as a child, after emancipation? Fight back when you take work as an apprentice but find that you’re still treated as a slave? YOU CHOOSE offers multiple perspectives on history, supporting Common Core reading standards and providing readers a front-row seat to the past.
“Let’s Celebrate Emancipation Day & Juneteenth (Holidays & Heroes)” by Barbara deRubertis
In the 1800s, abolitionists like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth fought for freedom from slavery for all African Americans. They fought with speeches, songs, newspapers, and even with daring rescue missions! Every year on both Emancipation Day and Juneteenth we honor and continue their fight for freedom and equality.
“Juneteenth (Celebrating Holidays: Blastoff!” by Rachel Grack
On June 19, 1865 two years after the Emancipation Proclamation Galveston, Texas became the last place in the country to learn the slaves were free. Today, Juneteenth is a joyful occasion with parades, speeches, music, and more! This engaging book teaches the fascinating origins and traditions of Juneteenth, honoring the freedom of African Americans.
“Juneteenth Jamboree” by Carole Boston Weatherford
Joining her parents in a community celebration of Juneteenth, Cassie learns about the day when slaves in Texas were freed some two years after the Emancipation Proclamation and wonders why the news took so long to reach them.
“Juneteenth for Mazie” by Floyd Cooper
Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom” by Charles A. Taylor
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom’ effectively conveys the jubilation that occurred on June 19, 1865 when African American people in Texas were the last to be freed from the horrors of U.S. slavery, a full two months after the end of the Civil War and more than two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Dr. Taylor’s 32-page book, full of colorful illustrations, archival photographs, and historical documents, makes the information about Juneteenth accessible for readers aged ten and up.
“Juneteenth (On My Own Holidays” by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
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.
“Juneteenth (Holidays)” by Julie Murray
Introduces the origins and significance of Juneteenth–June 19, the day when African Americans recall their heritage and their forebears’ emancipation from slavery–and describes how the holiday is celebrated.
“Freedom’s Gifts” by Valerie Wesley
With the help of their elderly Aunt Marshall, June and her cousin Lillie celebrate Juneteenth, the day Texas slaves found out they had been freed, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.