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Juneteenth Reads

Read about Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of American slavery. Find books about African American heritage for all ages.

King County Library System

26 items

  • The Juneteenth Cookbook

    Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate

    Agostini, Alliah L.,
    This cookbook introduces the history of Juneteenth to kids through vibrant recipes, activities, and games drawn from Black American cultural traditions.
    Book, 2024New York, NY : becker & mayer! kids, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 2024. — J641.568 AGO
  • Author Bird invites readers to deep dive into the history of the Black Rodeo, particularly emphasizing the Juneteenth Rodeos and celebrations. Included are a variety of photos from the 70s and 80s.
    Book, 2024Austin, TX : University of Texas Press, 2024. — 791.840976 BIR
  • You Come From Greatness

    a Celebration of Black History

    Chinakwe, Sara,
    A young boy's father shares the stories of and character reflections on their African ancestors, connecting him to the gifts, talents, and purpose God has for him today.
    Book, 2023Colorado Springs : WaterBrook, [2023] — E CHINAKWE
  • Through the help of a ghostly ancestor, sixteen-year-old Malcolm is sent on a journey through Reconstruction-era America to find his place in modern-day Black progress.
    Book, 2021New York : Tu Books, an imprint of LEE & LOW BOOKS, Inc., [2021] — Y COLES
  • Black Reconstruction

    An Essay Toward a History of the Part Which Black Folk Played in the Attempt to Reconstruct Democracy in America, 1860-1880, & Other Writings

    Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt), 1868-1963,
    A classic edition of the 1935 book written by the well-known activist Du Bois. Covers his thoughts on the post-Civil War era and it’s long lasting impact on Black people in America.
    Book, 2021New York, NY : The Library of America, [2021] — 973.81 DU
  • Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free

    the True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

    Duncan, Alice Faye,
    The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom.
    Book, 2022Nashville, Tennessee : Tommy Nelson, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, [2022] — EB LEE
  • A child experiences the magic of the Juneteenth parade for the first time with their family as they come to understand the purpose of the party that happens every year.
    Book, 2023New York, NY : Versify, [2023] — E GARRETT
  • The Purpose of Power

    How We Come Together When We Fall Apart

    Garza, Alicia, 1981-
    An essential guide to building movements to address the challenges of our time, from one of the country's leading organizers and co-founder of Black Lives Matter.
    Book, 2021New York : One World, 2021. — 303.484 GAR
  • Historian Gordon-Reed combines history and memoir in five essays. A Texas native, Gordon-Reed's family descended from enslaved people. This work explores Texan identity, the contributions of Black Texans, and the national importance of Juneteenth.
    Book, 2021New York, NY : Liveright Publishing Corporation, a division of W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., [2021] — 394.263 GOR
  • This book showcases important moments in Black history and the achievements of Black Americans that have often been ignored or forgotten.
    Book, 2021Minneapolis : Lerner Publications, 2021. — J973.049607 GRE
  • Black AF History

    the Un-whitewashed Story of America

    Harriot, Michael,
    A comprehensive and bitingly hilarious appraisal of American history, in which the dominant narrative is directly confronted and corrected to showcase the perspectives and experiences of Black Americans.
    Book, 2023New York, NY : Dey St., an imprint of William Morrow, [2023] — 973.049607 HAR
  • And We Rise

    the Civil Rights Movement in Poems

    Martin, Erica (Halcyenda Erica),
    This poetry collection walks readers through the Civil Rights Movement-from the well-documented events to lesser-known figures and moments that were crucial to the Movement and our nation's centuries-long fight for justice and equality.
    Book, 2022New York : Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2022. — Y323.119607 MAR
  • Super Soul Food With Cousin Rosie

    100+ Modern Twists on Comfort Food Classics

    Mayes, Rosie (Food writer),
    A cheerful, approachable book on comforting soul food from blogger Rosie Mayes. This book celebrates Mayes' roots in Louisana and Jamaica as well as her current home in the Pacific Northwest.
    Book, 2022Seattle, WA : Sasquatch Books, [2022] — 641.5975 MAY
  • Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations, but Jez soon finds out that her family's true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs.
    Book, 2021New York, NY : Walden Pond Press, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2021] — J ROYCE
  • The possibilities are endless in this uplifting ode to the power of potential with each page an immersive call for self-love that highlights the inherent beauty of all Black and brown children.
    Book, 2021New York, NY : Little, Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, 2021. — E TARPLEY
  • This story follows a community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag.
    Book, 2023New York : Holiday House, [2023] — E394.263 TAY
  • Watermelon & Red Birds

    a Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations

    Taylor, Nicole A.,
    Taylor celebrates Black freedom and joy with this collection of recipes that draw from Black culture. Each chapter includes essays that discuss traditions and Juneteenth celebrations throughout the years. Will make readers crave summer parties!
    Book, 2022New York, NY : Simon & Schuster, 2022. — 641.59296 TAY
  • A girl contemplates what Juneteenth means to her, her family, and her community.
    Book, 2024San Francisco : Chronicle Books, [2024] — E TRIPPLETT
  • Black Inventors

    15 Inventions That Changed the World

    Trusty, Kathy,
    Throughout history, Black inventors have achieved some of the world's greatest advancements in science, technology, engineering, and math. This book highlights 15 men and women who made a big impact with their inventions.
    Book, 2022[Emeryville, California] : Rockridge Press, 2022. — J609.22 TRU
  • How did Juneteenth develop over time, and what is the holiday's enduring legacy? Find out in an easy-to-read graphic novel that reveals why Juneteenth's evolution into a federal holiday is among the greatest moments in history.
    Book, 2023North Mankato, Minnesota : Capstone Press, an imprint of Capstone, [2023] — JGN 394.263 TUR