The Best Books for Juneteenth: Our Recommended Reading List
Books have a unique power to give us the words we need to have tough conversations. When it comes to our country's history, it's essential to find resources that can help children understand and empathize with the experiences of others. This list features three powerful, first-person stories about Juneteenth that will provide you with an essential tool for teaching empathy and history.
The first time I read to my kids about Juneteenth, I realized I’d have to talk to them about a real dark side of humanity and our country’s history. But it’s so important to have those conversations, and sometimes books give us the words we might have a hard time finding on our own. They also give us a chance to share real lived experiences with our kids that we may not personally have had, which develops empathy and a knowledge of the history of slavery in our country. I love these three books that give the first-person experience of Juneteenth’s significance, each through the eyes of a young girl.
Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett: This book welcomes you inside a family’s home as they bring multiple generations together to celebrate Juneteenth with a parade, food, music, and games. The girl’s grandfather shares their family’s history, and the powerful story of freedom brings a lump to her throat.
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper: In this book, the main character’s father tells her the story of her grandfather who was once a slave. I get choked up every single time I read the page that says, “they excelled and achieved - they became heroes” with the back of President Obama’s head as he’s being sworn in as president.
All Different Now: Juneteenth's First Day by Angela Johnson: This powerful children's book on slavery is narrated by a girl born into slavery. It shares her personal experience on June 19, 1865, and the profound way it changed her life. There’s something about this story that my son, Foster, really loves, and he keeps it on his personal bookshelf.
Why These Books Are Essential
These books are more than just stories; they are tools for empathy. By reading these first-person accounts, we can help our children better understand the struggles and triumphs of a history that is still very much alive today. They provide a safe space to ask questions and have an honest conversation about our country’s complex past.
PS: If you’re looking for a podcast on this topic, we LOVE Keyshawn Solves It! My kids have asked to play it from start to finish at least a dozen times, and there are other awesome social-emotional lessons baked in as well as the history of Juneteenth. For more resources on teaching your kids about history and empathy, check out our list of the Best Books for Kids to Read for Black History Month and our guide on How to Talk to Your Kids About Their First Crushes.
Ready to find more stories that inspire?
If you found these books to be powerful tools for empathy, you'll love our other booklists. Continue the conversation by exploring our post on The Books That Have Shaped Me as a Mother, where we share stories that helped us navigate the messy and beautiful journey of parenthood.