16 Children’s Books That Celebrate and Teach Kids About Juneteenth

It’s never too early to start celebrating your history. Filled with bright and bold illustrations that celebrate Juneteenth alongside simple prose, this board book is the perfect size for little hands. It will take you and your baby through the preparations for a joyful Juneteenth, from showing support to black-owned businesses to cooking up some delicious food.

Age range: 0 to 5 years

Here’s another book you and baby can enjoy from a young age! This introductory picture book explains the history of Juneteenth and shares some intriguing facts about the holiday, accompanied by beautiful illustrations in rich colors that are a feast for little (and big) eyes. The rhyming cadence of the words sound lovely read aloud and are also emotional and poetic. And, as your little freedom fighter grows, they’ll glean more and more with each read.

Age range: 0 to 7 years

This board book introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the events of June 19, 1865 in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Using colorful illustrations and simple, straightforward language, the book helps teach little ones how those events connect to modern-day Juneteenth celebrations. It's historically accurate and is sure to spark questions and conversations between you and your child—bringing you closer to your heritage and each other in the process.

Age range: 2 to 5 years

When Jayylen is woken up by his grandpa, Paw Paw Jimmy, as he searches for his frottoir—a unique musical instrument that is worn as a vest—he doesn’t really know what is in store for him. While Paw Paw Jimmy gets ready for a day of celebration, Jayylen goes along with him and asks all kinds of questions to try and make sense of the importance of Juneteenth. Showing just how exciting and meaningful a first Juneteenth celebration can be, this book is sure to inspire your little reader in more ways than one. Who knows, they may even want to try making some music of their own!

Age range: 2 to 5 years

While your toddler is learning their ABC’s, why not also teach them about their history? The Juneteenth Alphabet takes you and your tot through each letter and provides you with words, definitions, cultural anecdotes and traditions for every one. This book does not shy away from the complexities of Juneteenth, and even provides a glossary of words and a list of resources that your kiddo can turn to if they need some extra help.

Age range: 3 to 6 years

This engaging book teaches children the origins and traditions of Juneteenth, all while honoring the freedom of Black Americans. It includes photo labels, a glossary of terms and vocabulary and maps to show where Juneteenth began and is celebrated most. Plus, it also offers activity pages full of crafts and recipes to get your little one involved in the merriment.

Age range: 4 to 8 years

Duncan and Bobo tell the true story of Opal Lee, a Black activist commonly referred to as “the grandmother of Juneteenth,” who has spent her life working to spread awareness about the holiday and its significance. Opal Lee was even standing next to President Joe Biden when he signed the bill that marked Juneteenth as a federal holiday into law. The book inspires kids to follow their dreams and teaches the power of bravery and speaking up for change, all while celebrating Black joy.

Age range: 4 to 8 years

Juneteenth is part of Rochell’s Beautiful Me series, which teaches young children messages of self-love, kindness and inclusivity. The book follows Daylen, a young boy who’s excited to share his knowledge of the holiday. It teaches little ones the origins, customs and importance of June 19 in a kid-friendly manner, and even finishes off with a page of good-to-know words that’ll help young readers build their vocabulary.

Age range: 4 to 7 years

Debut author and self-taught textile author Kim Taylor used her quilting skills to depict this tale set in 1865. The story follows a young African-American girl called Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag. All of the pages were lovingly hand-sewn and quilted by Taylor herself, which gives the book a homespun, dynamic and personal feel that is wholly original.

Age range: 4 to 8 years

Told through the eyes of a little girl on a plantation in Texas as she hears about the Emancipation Proclamation, this book follows the story of the first Juneteenth. The lyrical free-verse prose is offset wonderfully by the painterly, watercolor illustrations depicting scenes from that day, which show the emotion felt as the former slaves become free people. The picture book also includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates and a glossary of relevant terms.

*Age range: 5 to 9 years

Opal Lee (the activist who serves as the protagonist for another book in our list) came out with her own story in March 2022. In her own words, she teaches children about the history of slavery in an age-appropriate manner. It also celebrates the important milestone of Juneteenth finally being recognized as a national holiday, for which Ms. Opal was present.

Age range: 5 to 8 years

In her picture book, Agostini details an illustrated history of Juneteenth and its evolution, starting from the first celebration in 1865 all the way to 2021, when it was made a federal holiday. The book explains why it took so long for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas to get the news and how Juneteenth has grown over the years, as well as the complicated feelings that many felt during all those years. When you and your little one are finished, they’ll gain a better understanding of just how nuanced this topic is.

Age range: 6 to 9 years

This picture book tells the story of a young girl named Mazie, as she talks to her dad about the meaning of Juneteenth. Together, they remember the struggles and the triumphs of their ancestors and get ready to celebrate freedom. Cooper’s easy-to-read words and oil-painting artwork show the heartfelt relationship between Mazie and her father, as well as their connection to those who came before them.

Age range: 6 to 9 years

Written with powerful text and illustrations, the book tells the story of a young girl named Cassandra and her family, who have just moved to Texas, where her parents are originally from. It's hard for Cassandra to feel totally at home in her new house until the family celebrates Juneteenth together. There’s lots of delicious food, friends and fun, and all of it helps Cassandra settle in. Not only does this book showcase some important Texas traditions, but it’ll teach your little one to delight in their own home life and celebratory practices!

Age range: 6 to 9 years

The book paints a picture of what life was like on June 19, 1865 in Texas before and after the message of freedom spread throughout the state. The story presents easy-to-digest information for young readers and teaches the history and significance of the holiday. This historical introduction to the federal holiday will help your child understand and have empathy for the experiences of others, emphasising how important freedom for all really is.

Age range: 6 to 12 years

Written by three young writers as part of a collaborative youth writing competition hosted by the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, J is for Juneteenth was published in 2024. By spelling out the word “Juneteenth,” the authors lead readers through a joyful and thoughtful celebration of the history of this important holiday. It's accessible, inclusive, and will encourage your child to keep on reading about this notable day. Plus, it may inspire them to write their very own book one day!

Age range: 7 to 8 years