Overview
It's June 19 and you see a parade with music and dancing. But do you know why? It's Juneteenth, of course!This book explores the meaning and history of the African American holiday Juneteenth.
Synopsis
It's June 19 and you see a parade with music and dancing. But do you know why? It's Juneteenth, of course!
Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature
If you are of African American descent and live in the states of Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Oklahoma, or Texas, you will know that it is Juneteenth because it is a state holiday. In clear and straightforward language Jordan explains how this holiday came to be—the slaves in Texas did not learn that they were free until June 19, 1865 when General Gordon Granger read and order in Galveston, Texas stating that all of the slaves were free. The origin or the name for the holiday is also interesting. Since it was against the law to educate slaves most of what they learned or knew was passed along orally. The general order of June 19th became Juneteenth and thus the name stuck. The book describes ways that the holiday is celebrated and is peppered with historical and contemporary photographs. There is a timeline of important dates, a glossary and a short list of relatively recent books to consult for additional information. Since this book is aimed for the school and library market it also has an index as well as a table of contents. 2003, Heinemann, Ages 5 to 8.
Editorials
Children's Literature
If you are of African American descent and live in the states of Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Oklahoma, or Texas, you will know that it is Juneteenth because it is a state holiday. In clear and straightforward language Jordan explains how this holiday came to be—the slaves in Texas did not learn that they were free until June 19, 1865 when General Gordon Granger read and order in Galveston, Texas stating that all of the slaves were free. The origin or the name for the holiday is also interesting. Since it was against the law to educate slaves most of what they learned or knew was passed along orally. The general order of June 19th became Juneteenth and thus the name stuck. The book describes ways that the holiday is celebrated and is peppered with historical and contemporary photographs. There is a timeline of important dates, a glossary and a short list of relatively recent books to consult for additional information. Since this book is aimed for the school and library market it also has an index as well as a table of contents. 2003, Heinemann, Ages 5 to 8.—Marilyn Courtot
School Library Journal
Gr 2-3
These books provide simplified information, with the majority of each one covering the origin of the celebration and how it has evolved over the years. The texts have stayed the same since the 2003 editions, though pictures have been enlarged and their colors made brighter and clearer. Color photos and other illustrations enhance every page. Cinco de Mayo describes how Mexican-Americans celebrate their heritage with parades, music, dancing, and festivals, in honor of the freedom they won on May 5, 1862, in a battle against the French army. Valentine's Day explains the custom of sending cards and ways we show affection. The freeing of the slaves after the Civil War and related traditions such as storytelling and dancing are covered in Juneteenth . All three books conclude with lists of important dates and a three-item, current further reading list. Paired with other books, these reliable sources will be great supplements for holiday basics.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX