Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

by Alice Faye Duncan, Keturah A. Bobo (Illustrator)

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Holiday, Historical

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2022

Reviews

[theperksofbeingmarissa ;) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I listened to the audiobook*

This is a very good children’s book to begin introducing the history of Juneteenth!

I appreciated the glossary, timeline, and the recipe for Juneteenth red punch strawberry lemonade!!

[Linda Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely stunning book about Juneteenth. I love how it's not just a biography of Ms. Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth, but it's a story within a story--A Juneteenth cookout with Ms. Opal Lee telling the kids the Juneteenth story. Brilliant!

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an important storybook for kids and beginners!

This is just the book we need to read to kids to let them think about the importance of knowing important days and our background; remember the people who have struggled and made things possible for us to live with equal opportunities.

The artstyle is just amazing and so apt for such contents.
However, the presentation of the writing can be better with a different font style easy to the eyes for the reading age group.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson: Children's and the author/artist, for the advance reading copy.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book illuminated facts about Juneteenth in a very approachable way. I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know anything about Opal Lee. Thankfully, after reading this book, my fingers set off to googling and wow… what an amazing human I discovered! Do yourself a favor and read this book with an impressionable young friend or loved one. You’re guaranteed to learn something quite extraordinary.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opale Lee is the grandmother of Juneteenth. She was born in Texas in 1926 and led a movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. She had said that if we don't remember what we have been through, our nation is doomed to repeat it. This book for children and their parents bring the past, present and future together. There is a timeline of Juneteenth and what led up to that historical time in our history. Texas had made Juneteenth a State holiday on January 1, 1980. It is a reminder of freedom for all Americans.

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free is the story of Miss Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. In 2016, she started a commemorative walk across the nation encouraging national politicians, congressmen, and senators to vote for Juneteenth as a national holiday. Juneteenth is celebrates when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, and people were freed from slavery. That day is considered the last day of American enslavement.

After what happened to Opal Lee and her family when she was a child, you'd think she would be filled with anger and hated. Instead, that experience leaves makes her committed to justice and racial reconciliation when she's older. The embers burn in her heart, but not with rage. She becomes committed to galvanize people under the banner of unity, love, justice, and hope. I love the line, "I learned a big lesson that Juneteenth day. Freedom is a golden coin. Struggle makes it shine." Another quote, "Good and bad work together like the sun and rain" shows us that she believed Juneteenth was a holiday that could unite us under the banner of liberty and unity.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Freedom is for everyone. Juneteenth is YOU and ME.”

Before I get to the story of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, I absolutely have to mention how sweet the illustrations are. Adults and children alike will be drawn immediately to the endearing and beautiful artwork by Keturah A. Bobo – each scene is full of life and lots of heart. There are thoughtful details on each page that complement the text and make this a book that kiddos & those who read to them will reach for time after time.

I love that there are children’s books about Juneteenth, a pivotal day in history, because this was something I didn’t learn about until adulthood. Like, embarrassingly not that long ago. Children need to know the importance of freedom & the joy that comes with it – and they need to know history so their generation can stop repeating it. Alice Faye Duncan’s lilting writing voice is delightful, and she makes Opal Lee’s story come alive, with even adult readers feeling as though they’re gathered around Great-Grand Dear’s chair under that tree, hanging on her every word.

Bottom Line: Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free weaves one woman’s inspiring story into a larger tapestry of history, freedom, and celebration. Warmth exudes from each page, thanks to the charming illustrations and almost lyrical text, and readers will close the book smarter and full of gratitude & joy. Besides the history of Juneteenth and Opal Lee’s own true story, children (and adults) learn why this Freedom Day should matter to all of us, no matter our race or nationality or freckles (lol). Highly recommended for all readers!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have one huge problem with this book: it doesn’t explain who Opal Lee is until you get to the last paragraph of the back matter! There is enthusiasm in the book. The story is gripping. But I finished the story with a big question: so this lady tells the Juneteenth story nicely. So what? It wasn’t until I read the back matter that I understood she had started the holiday with walking across the country and collecting 1.5 million signatures. Now I get what! But it should have been told in the main part of the story! If the author had worked that into the story, this would have gotten 5 stars. Recommended until something better comes along!

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book for Juneteenth! About the history of Juneteenth came about and a bit of Ms Opal Lee's story interwoven on this holiday. Great for the kids and young at heart..

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Final stretch.

[DEVONIA BOURGEOIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 of #20BooksByBlackWomen

[Lovee Lonii]

*listened with Hendrix*

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book briefly introduces the history of Juneteenth, emphasizing the ways that Opal Lee advocated for its adoption as a holiday. The book has great illustrations and easy-to-read writing, and I appreciate the emphasis on family bonds and celebrating together. The book's framing device of a celebration helps contextualize the heavy topic for kids, and the book ends on a hopeful note.

The reason why I am only giving this book three stars is because it does not explain the Emancipation Proclamation in relation to the Civil War. Although I understand the desire to simplify complex history for kids, this book doesn't mention the Civil War until the historical notes at the end, and it seems both strange and potentially confusing to young readers. This book makes it seem like Abraham Lincoln just woke up one day and decided to free everyone, and even though I wouldn't expect a picture book for children to address all of the surrounding legal and social context for this document, it disappointed me that the author sidestepped the war entirely when it is central to the true story.

This picture book provides a child-level explanation of slavery and the creation of the Juneteenth holiday, but because it doesn't address the Civil War, the book profoundly oversimplifies the Emancipation Proclamation and leaves confusing gaps in knowledge related to why it took so long for the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, to know that they were free. Although this book celebrates Opal Lee's activism and provides an adequate explanation of Junteenth for young children, parents and educators who want to provide a full historical explanation of Junteenth should use this as supplementary material.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[JoyAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insight into her story and the origins of Juneteenth. An important addition to any library’s holiday and history collections.

[Ainun Zahra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It tells the real life story of Opal Lee, an activist, also known as Grandmother of Juneteenth and reflects on the dark past of black people forced to work as slaves. I didn't know that Opal Lee is a real person before starting the book. That might seem weird but I live faraway from America and though I know bits and pieces of information about the history of slavery, the name Opal Lee never came in front of me before. The story begins with Opal Lee narrating story of how Juneteenth came into existence to her grandson and his friends. She also talks about Jim Crow laws, ignorant people, blinded by prejudices trying to harm her family by burning the house they used to reside in. There's a timeline at the end of the story that sums up the occurrences in short. It is a great book to educate young readers about the value of Juneteenth, why its important and the high cost of freedom. I personally loved it. The history is quite complicated, so I appreciate how it's presented in a child friendly way. The illustrations are well-done as well.. Recommended.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it interesting that for the majorly of white Americans, we didn't know what Juneteenth was 5 years ago and now it's a national holiday. It just shows how important this subject matter is! I like the illustrations of this book and I like how it explained Juneteenth. I kind of wish Opal Lee's part in making Juneteenth a national holiday was including more in the body of the text rather than just in the endnotes. I also found some of the text to be a little clunky. But overall, still an excellent book that I plan to purchase for my school library.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle, “The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth," refers to Opal Lee, who was born in Texas in 1926. As we learn in the back matter, her grandfather, the son of an enslaved mother, taught Opal about how Texas did not receive the news of emancipation (signed January 1, 1863) until over two years after it happened. It was June 19, 1865 when a Union general arrived in Galveston Texas and related Lincoln’s order to free the slaves. As the author explains: “This day of freedom is called Juneteenth, a word that combines June, and nineteenth.

Opal Lee led a movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. From 2016 - at age 90! - to 2020, she went across America collecting signatures for a petition to the US Congress. Finally, when Joe Biden became US President and Opal was 94, legislation was signed to make Juneteenth a national holiday commemorating the end of American slavery.

She has good memories of Juneteenth celebrations, except for, as the author relates in her voice, the year 1939, when an angry mob burned down her family’s brand-new house. She later said, “I learned a big lesson that Juneteenth Day. Freedom is a golden coin. Struggle makes it shine.”

Illustrator Keturah A. Bobo has filled the book with uplifting images.

Back matter includes a Juneteenth timeline, Author’s Note, list of sources, and a recipe for “Juneteenth Red Punch Strawberry Lemonade,” often served at Juneteenth celebrations. (Accompanying a recipe for an alcoholic version of that drink, Edouardo Jordan explains in the "New York Times":

"Red drinks are a staple at Juneteenth gatherings for African-Americans across the U.S. The color is a reminder of the red kola nuts and bissap (commonly known as hibiscus tea), which made their way to the Americas as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade."

Another New York Times article on traditional foods for Juneteeth notes, "Red foods are customary for Juneteenth, the crimson a symbol of ingenuity and resilience in bondage."

Culinary historian and food writer Michael Twitty, in his blog Afroculinaria, proposes that red represents the fact that “enslavement narratives from Texas recall an African ancestor being lured using red flannel cloth, and many of the charms and power objects used to manipulate invisible forces required a red handkerchief.”

This article on Juneteenth Day includes a number of recipes of red foods to celebrate with, including BBQ sauce, watermelon salad, red rice, and red velvet cake.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful book about Juneteenth as told from the point of view of Opal Lee, a story keeper and an historian who walked all over the US in the early 21st Century collecting signatures to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

The book teaches young readers (and their parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians) about the origin of Juneteenth in Texas in 1865 where it took months for the news of the emancipation of slaves to reach African Americans aka Black Americans.

The book continues to express the tension between hardships and victories over the decades between then and now as Black American still experienced prejudice and inequality. Each section ends with a powerful refrain of "Remember what I say. Freedom is for everyone. Juneteenth is YOU and ME."

The pictures show various settings such as field work, family picnics, parades, protests, and storytelling sessions. All of these illustrations are powerful, but I particularly like the page with Opal Lee hugging a group of children who show a wide range of skin tones. Freedom and equity is a value for all Americans.

I would read this to children ages 6 to 9 and provide it a book for independent readers ages 8 to 12. It's important for all children in the US to see the history of slavery, the procrastination of Texas slave owners for sharing the news, and the work people of color and their allies have done for decades to extend freedoms to all Americans.

The back matter includes recipes for Juneteenth parties, a Juneteenth timeline, a full-page biography for Opal Lee, and a list of sources (a mix of books and URLs).

[Juniper Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free is the picture book I decided to read for Juneteenth this year. It tells the story of a local Juneteenth celebration, featuring Grandmother Opal Lee and her great-grandson Buddy. Grandmother Opal gathers the children around her to tell the origin story of Juneteenth. She describes the story from 1865, of the Union soldiers who liberated Galveston, Texas which was the last town holding enslaved populations. “Remember my words for safekeeping. Remember what I say. Juneteenth is bigger than Texas, singing, or dancing bands. Juneteenth is freedom rising. And freedom is for everyone.”

I expected the story to end there, but then Buddy asks Opal Lee what Juneteenth was like when she was a kid. Opal Lee grew up during Jim Crow laws, under the threat of the KKK. On Juneteenth, 1939, Opal Lee’s home was burned by racists. There were no arrests.

“And yet the embers burn - that fire still lives in me. I learned a big lesson that Juneteenth day. Freedom is a gold coin. Struggle makes it shine.”

I really enjoyed the story. Upon reading the author’s note, I learned that Opal Lee was a real person! She advocated for the importance of Juneteenth, and collected signatures for a petition to make it a federal holiday. That’s incredible! I didn’t know the story of how Juneteenth became a national holiday. Like many people across the US, I hadn’t really known about Juneteenth until it became a national holiday. I’m so glad to have read this book, because now I know.

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book starts with a modern-day Juneteenth celebration where children gather around Opal Lee to hear the story of Juneteenth. Opal Lee calls slavery a thief, says that Lincoln wielded courage when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation, and explains that "White masters defied his words. Black bodies remained in bondage." After explaining that Union troops arrived in Galveston in 1965, Opal Lee "unwraps" another story about Jim Crow signs when she was a kid. This book taught me that Black families were only allowed at Forest Park Zoo on one day of the year, Juneteenth. "I hated that zoo. I loved it too." Opal Lee also tells listeners about Juneteenth 1939 when an angry mod burned her family's brand-new house because "their broken minds and evil hearts were so afraid of Black progress." The police made no arrests, but Opal Lee says she learned a big lesson that day; "Freedom is a golden coin. Struggle makes it shine." The back of the book includes a recipe for Juneteenth "Red Punch" strawberry lemonade, a Juneteenth timeline, and tells readers why Opal Lee is called the "Grandmother of Juneteenth". I like that this last section includes a photo of Opal Lee and lists seven freedoms that were gained for Black Americans "following Juneteenth and the Thirteenth Amendment". The book credits Opal Lee with the saying "None of us are free until we're all free, and we aren't free yet." I like the format of this book less than other Juneteenth books. This book wouldn't be my first pick for a Juneteenth lesson plan, but I don't dislike it entirely. It's okay.

[Dasha Slepenkina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.

3/5 - Liked it.

Juneteenth is a critical part of U.S. history and I am really excited that it is now a national holiday, with books being written about it. I really enjoyed the concept of this book, which honors Opal Lee and recounts the many ways that African American people have had to fight for their freedom. There are two reasons my rating is not higher - I felt that the writing could have been less oversimplified, and also that there could have been some emphasis on the quote used in Opal Lee's biography at the end of the book: "None of us are free until we're all free, and we aren't free yet." The way the book was formatted gave the impression that Juneteenth was a celebration of a completed fight for freedom - which as a person growing up white in the U.S. was always my impression because of the way history is taught through classrooms and books. While I love the celebratory tone of this book, I think mentioning that the fight isn't over would have been a great educational moment.

That being said, I think this is an important book and literature like this should be in libraries and classrooms everywhere. And I really liked the refrain of "Freedom, hope, and joy divine! Juneteenth means it's Freedom Time!"

[Krismar Ramker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, telling the true story of Juneteenth and Opal Lee. It is a story of struggle, freedom, joy, equality, and promise. It is a book that needs to be included in all elementary/middle/high schools. The book takes the form of a "sandwich story," which is a story within a story. The inside of the sandwich gives the substance and the history of Juneteenth (1865), as well as the grandmother's recollections (1939) of her childhood and Juneteenth. This grandmother (Opal Lee) is telling these stories of Juneteenth to a group of children. For the reader, the font changes with the "sandwich story" and the factual information within the text. This is vital for the listener and reader alike. What a sweet way to teach the informative text. The playful, realistic illustrations show people of many races, This representation is so important. The cover illustration is unique, showing the young Opal Lee's profile inside the silhouette of the elderly Opal Lee. Very clever. It hints at how the story will be told. The end notes are wonderful: recipe, Juneteenth timeline, historical information on Opal Lee, and a list of sources. These end notes are great resources for the teaching of Juneteenth. Nonfiction books, at this level, are sometimes hard to find. This one is superb!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Freedom, hope, and joy divine! Juneteenth means it’s freedom time!”

The story begins at a Juneteenth celebration, where Opal Lee (the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”) tells the story of Juneteenth to a group of kids and how her experiences growing up still inspires her work as an activist today.

I enjoyed reading this story as much as the kids being spoken to were. You not only learn how Juneteenth came to be, how it’s celebrated, etc., but also how Black Americans were systemically and sometimes violently barred from the rights and liberties that freedom entailed.

One such unsettling example from Opal Lee’s life was when on Juneteenth a white mob was allowed to burn down her family home because they didn’t want them living there (side note, a house is being built for Opal Lee where her childhood home was). But she turned that fire into purpose, dedicating her life to getting Juneteenth federally recognized. Another monumental step towards building a better, more equal, and freer tomorrow for all.

Even with its sorrows, this was a remarkable and joyful story.

Also included with this story are a recipe for Juneteenth “Red Punch” Strawberry Lemonade, a timeline of key events from 1619 when the first Africans were sold into slavery to Juneteenth being declared a federal holiday in 2021, a bio about Opal Lee and Juneteenth, and sources.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed from a digital PDF, then final copy.

Set in a fictionalized park, Opal Lee passes down memories of Juneteeth celebrations from the past and memories her grandfather, a former slave, had shared with her. Duncan's text skips across the page with the joy that only freedom can bring. Her pacing and story structure are right on. Empathy is immediate for the family when the family's house is burned and when she faces the reality of Jim Crow laws. This is balanced by the lightness and joy of freedom and the prospect of a bright future.

Backmatter includes a recipe for Juneteenth "Red Punch" Strawberry Lemonade, a Juneteenth timeline, a brief biography about Opal Lee, and a list of sources consulted.

Illustrations by Keturah A. Bobo appear to be rendered digitally. The colors are saturated and rich, with heavy use of yellows, greens, and purple. Bobo makes excellent use of perspective. My favorite illustration is of Opal sitting on the porch reading, with the bottoms of her feet facing the reader. The use of light and shadow is particularly strong. She includes many shades of brown in the faces of characters.

Add this to the growing awareness of our newest national holiday. Recommended for K-6.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a new book to share during Black History Month, Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free deserves your consideration. Alice Faye Duncan provides a historically accurate account of Juneteenth and the woman who worked for it to become a national holiday. The book includes a biography of Opal Lee, a list of resources, and a timeline of black history in America.
Keturah A. Bobo did the illustrations for Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free. Her illustrations provide a lot of detail and help children visualize things they may never have experienced. Librarians who do Mock Caldecott units to have students vote on what the next Caldecott should be, may want to place Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free on their Mock Caldecott list for next year.
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free is appropriate for a K-12 Christin school library. I would place it in the holidays section. Librarians may want to note that while It does come from a Christian publisher, the book contains no mention of any belief in God.
I received a complimentary copy of Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free from Interviews and Reviews and the author. This is my honest review.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book tells the story of a Black activist, Opal Lee and her role in bringing awareness to the holiday Juneteenth, an important day which many Americans were not even aware of! With beautiful pictures, and a good amount of text on each page, readers can learn about the history of slavery, its abolishment, and the civil rights movement in age-appropriate descriptions. The story alternates between Opal telling stories at a picnic and stories from these time periods, giving young readers short breaks from the difficult (but again, appropriate) content.

As a grade 3 teacher (in Canada) I could definitely see having this book in my classroom, despite not being from the US. I think that this is a very important part of history and a good reminder that Black history can be covered outside of just February! I would recommend this book to teachers of students in grades K-5 and perhaps other grades as well. The end of the book also has timelines and information and would be a great source for research for young readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[V Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juneteenth is American History. This book is necessary and it should be read to and by everyone beginning at an early age. The only way to ever get the United States to be truly united is to all the history be told and in accordance with a proper timeline not in individual segments. While many saw Juneteenth as a day off work, others were upset because they did not understand why there needed to be a Juneteenth and still others were jubilant because the occasion is finally receiving recognition in all the USA. You do not have to like the reason but history is history and denying it will not make it less true.
This book also shows that one woman can make a difference. It is a story of resilience and honor of truth and tragedy. It shows America has made strides but there is still work to be done. Opal Lee is now 98 years of age and she worked until S.475 was enacted, 156 years after the first Juneteenth was celebrated. Thank Goodness she was alive to see that day, only 3 years ago. Here is the lesson there: Life isn't over until its over and purpose is always present.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonates in the storyteller tradition of the African American Community. Opal Lee is an elder in her community and she tells the children about the history of the Juneteenth holiday while they are at a picnic for that holiday. Her story is generations of strength, struggle, triumph, and fear all rolled into a celebration of freedom. Alice Faye Duncan has given us a treasure. Keturah A. Bobo's illustrations are powerful, warm, and bring together generations through the telling by Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth and her great-grandson sit in the shade of a tree while she tells all the children at the picnic her story of freedom for EVERYONE. Backmatter includes a recipe, a timeline from 1619 to 2021 when Juneteenth became a national holiday, information about Opal Lee and why her voice matters to all of us, and a list of sources.

This book is simply a treasure and needs to be shared widely!

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

This vibrant purple and gold cover hides a story of a beautiful woman's perseverance to see Juneteenth celebrated as a national holiday in America. In light of this holiday feeling newer for so many across the country, we have yet to learn how to truly celebrate and embrace it. Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free helps us understand and celebrate a little better. The illustration on the cover and the illustration of Opal Lee in the backmatter are fantastic and vibrant! We aren't free, until we are all free. Great lessons here and one of the better Juneteenth books I've read as far as understanding the holiday.

Some of the writing and rhyming felt a little clunky and uneven for me (the segues a little contrived), and while the illustrations bring beautiful diversity and inclusion, they also felt a little heavy/unnatural in places.

Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know the story of Juneteenth? Do you work with or have children? This book tells an important and inspiring story and I highly recommend that you share it with kids that you know.

First off, what was Juneteenth? It was the date upon which some in Texas learned about Emancipation. Was this found out in a timely manner? Read this story of the holiday to find out.

Opal Lee can and should be an inspiration to all of us. From childhood, she had awareness and a desire to work for what was right.

This beautifully illustrated story tells Opal Lee’s biography and the history of the holiday in a way that kids can understand. Share this one with someone…or many someones…and then talk about it and our country’s history and hopes. It might be a very important conversation.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.