Juneteenth

April 1, 2023
A child experiences Juneteenth with their family. The day starts with a Black family loading their car with blankets, food, and drums in preparation for a trip to Galveston, Texas. When they arrive at the Strand, the young protagonist pulls a wagon full of supplies as the family looks for a place to watch the parade. With the perfect spot secured, they unpack their food and listen for the sounds of the parade beginning. However, the narrator notes that this parade feels different from those held on Labor Day or the Fourth of July: "Many of the people on the big, bright floats looked like me." Taking it all in, the protagonist points out the "soulful rhythms" of the marching bands' music along with the beauty queens riding in decorated cars. Most notably, the protagonist observes the camaraderie of the participants as they "[rejoice] in the ending of slavery in Texas." Vibrant, highly textured watercolor-and-pen-and-ink illustrations depict the sense of community the author conveys through the simple, poetic text. An ideal read-aloud, the story focuses more on the feelings of taking part in the parade than on the origins of Juneteenth, but it might inspire young readers to seek out more information. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A stirring introduction to an important holiday. (author's and artists' notes) (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from April 21, 2023

PreS-Gr 3-This story follows a young boy who journeys to Galveston, TX, to celebrate Juneteenth for the first time. His parents have packed the car and made sandwiches as if preparing for any other parade. But as the boy and his family set up their place to watch, the parade becomes an experience like no other. First, it's the music; then, the realization that the people on the floats look like him. The smells of familiar food only reinforce that this parade is special. Sure, there are many familiar sights, such as a queen and the tossing of candy and beads, but this parade celebrates so much more. As his mom explains, it is a celebration of history, of overcoming struggle and abuse, of pride and hope. In a joyful climax, as fireworks explode over the ocean, voices chorus, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Readers will experience the Juneteenth celebration simultaneously with the young boy as an unfolding of the senses-sights, sounds, and scents of a parade-with the added enlightenment of the important history and significance of the celebration. Pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations highlight the colorfulness while adding detail to the many sights and faces of the people in the street dancing, cheering, and reveling in the fun. Particularly poignant are the images of historical figures who endured and triumphed over slavery, highlighted as the fireworks begin. VERDICT A memorable introduction to the richness of Juneteenth as well as to the significance of the celebration to the African American community. A perfect read-aloud and an excellent platform for discussing African American history.-C.J Connor

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May 22, 2023
Garrett’s observational storytelling combines detailed ink and watercolor scenes from muralists Adams and Adenugba to create a stirring portrait of a Juneteenth spent in Galveston, Tex., where the holiday began. A Black family of four packs their car for a road trip: “We loaded the car/ in search of sounds and stars.// Snacks in backpacks.” Upon arriving, they make their way to the Strand, toting a wagon full of picnic fixings and waving at other attendees until finding a place to watch the parade. When it starts—musicians play, floats pass—the child
narrator muses, “This parade felt different.... Many of the people on the big, bright floats looked like me.” And as the festivities continue, and the main character’s mother tells them of Juneteenth’s history—pictured in historical vignettes—the youth soon understands “why we drove the miles/ and strangers smiled.” Ending with a crowd joining together for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” this slice-of-life portrait of Juneteenth cements the day not merely as one of jubilation, but as a celebration of community too. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 4–8.