Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom

by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Kim Holt (Illustrator)

Some call it Freedom Day; some call it Emancipation Day; some call it Juneteenth. Learn more about this important holiday that celebrates the end of chattel slavery in the United States in this Step 3 History Reader.

On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, a group of enslaved men, women, and children in Texas gathered. Order Number 3 was read, proclaiming that they were no longer enslaved--they were free. People danced, wept tears of joy, and began to plan their new lives. Juneteenth became an annual celebration that is observed by more and more Americans with parades, picnics, family gatherings, and reflection on the words of historical figures, to mark the day when freedom truly rang for all.

Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots and popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Holiday, Childrens, Picture Books, Juvenile

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[A Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

According to the book, General Granger said "All slaves are free..." and enslaved people shouted for joy. I appreciate that the book uses "enslaved people" in most instances, but unfortunately, there is no explanation as to why Granger called them "slaves" and why we avoid this terminology today. Wyeth tells readers, "Slaveholders had selfishly kept the good news of freedom a secret. They did not want to lose their unpaid workers." While some books pretend that it was an accident that enslaved people did not know they were free, I appreciate that this author is being so honest with our young readers. Overall this is not my favorite book about Juneteenth but it isn't a bad one either.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells of the origins of Juneteenth and its continued celebration throughout generations of families, particularly in Texas which first made it a holiday in 1980. The book ends with an authors note explaining the need for the Thirteenth Amendment to officially abolish slavery and the country's continued need to strive for the high ideals of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores and explains the significance of why Freedom Day is celebrated across America. How the celebration was started in the state of Texas, spread across the nation and became a national holiday in 2021.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Tells a lot of important information about Juneteenth in a way that is easily understandable for children. The book is a little long but I think everything in it is necessary.

[Jake Kilroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good summary of Juneteenth for kids, as it reflects the harsh history as well as the celebratory legacy of freedom and community.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy Reader.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This covers the basics to understand the holiday.

[Leslea Abshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to explain why we celebrate...good for all ages