Juneteenth

by Kevin P. Winn, Kelisa Wing

The Racial Justice in Histories series explores moments and eras in America's history that have been ignored or misrepresented in education due to racial bias. Juneteenth explores the history around the celebration in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. Developed in conjunction with educator, advocate, and author Kelisa Wing to reach children of all races and encourage them to approach our history with open eyes and minds. Books include 21st Century Skills and content, as well as activities created by Wing. Also includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, sidebars, educational matter, and activities.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, ebook

Published September 1, 2021

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introduction to the subject of Juneteenth - what it is, the history, why we celebrate, etc.

The reason that we celebrate on June 19th is because this is the date that "enslaved people" were freed in Galveston, TX, in 1865, two months after the Civil War ended, because black people in Texas had not yet heard the news that they were free.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed at youth-the text is easy enough for 3rd or 4th graders but the topic may or may not be.
It was an interesting read, especially for those who may have never learned or have forgotten this bit of American history.

[Christine Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice that the information is wrong now. Juneteenth became a federal holiday as of June 17, 2021!

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although published in 2022, this book has an older, almost dated, feel to it. However, Winn uses modern terminology, such as "enslaved people", thankfully. I appreciate that the very first page acknowledges that Black people in Texas had not heard the news that they were free, in part, because those who benefited from slavery withheld that information. Later in the book, Winn writes, "In fact, the United States was one of the few countries in the world where enslaved people were expected to reproduce." It feels like a lot more is not being said about enslaved women being forced to reproduce. If the target audience is not old enough for that information, I would have preferred the topic of reproduction left out entirely instead of including what feels like a half-truth. Later in the book Winn quotes Abraham Lincoln saying, "If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it..." I appreciate that Winn tells readers here, "although he is celebrated, [Lincoln] was not always the abolitionist the history books teach." Winn also attempts to explain to readers why it is important to say "enslaved person" but I am not sure it is the best explanation, unfortunately. I really liked the page that showed photographs of Black men who served in the civil war. Interestingly, although the book I borrowed from the public library has "copyright 2022" printed inside it, page 28 says that people are working to make Juneteenth a federal holiday; Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021.

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perfect book for BLM movement. Even though the copyright date is 2022 for this book, it is already out of date because page 28 states that Juneteenth is still trying to be made into a national holiday. We know it is now a federal holiday. "[Activists] explain that it's important for the United States to recognize its racist history." This book fails to mention that many POC experience racism, not just people of African descent.

p.6 "Juneteenth is a reminder that Black people continue to persist in a racist country." I dislike inaccurate statements like this. An entire country isn't racist, just some hateful people. Racism exists among every race, not just whites against blacks.

[Greg S · Rating 4 out of 5]

My six year old fell asleep but I liked it. It’s definitely more for high schoolers and heavy on text. Joyful, empowering.

Like the book says, “…it is important to know the whole story of American history.”

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very straightforward and no-hold-barred history of the origins of Juneteenth. Told through an activist’s POV and encourages students to be schooled about America’s racist past and present. Good photos; prose is simple yet very informative.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good series to have in a library collection.

[ReadingWench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Juneteenth. It covers the history and would be a great resource to parents and teachers.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juneteenth through a more activist lens.