On June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth, but what exactly is Juneteenth?
Okay, imagine a big party where everyone celebrates because it’s like the birthday of freedom for some people. Juneteenth is a special day when we remember when all the people who were enslaved in the United States found out they were free. It’s like a big happy day to remember and celebrate when everyone got to be free together. Some people celebrate with music, dancing, yummy food, and lots of fun! It’s a day of joy and remembering how important freedom is for everyone. How will you celebrate?
Want ways to explain the importance of Juneteenth to a young child? Try reading a book about it!
PA’s Promise for Children has a few recommendations. Visit your local library to check out these books, or to find new favorites.
- Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
- The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini
- Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise by Lavaille Lavette
- Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle
- Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett
- A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor
- All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson
- The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson