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Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, happens on June 19 every year. Juneteenth celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States.
On June 19, 1865, the Union troops went to Galveston, Texas, to announce the Emancipation Proclamation, and free the last state with enslaved Black people.
Juneteenth is now a Federal holiday. Celebrate Black history, excellence, and joy, and learn more about what makes Juneteenth a special holiday, with a book from our booklist.
Youth Services Specialists MaryJo & Stefanie -
15 Picture Books that Celebrate Black Joy
Earlier this year, we shared somebooks and resources to help your families unpack racism and the injustices that have deep roots in our society.These conversations are crucial in creating a more loving and compassionate world, and equally important are stories that amplify Black joy. It is not enough to share the pain and suffering that Black folks experience--we also need books that depict the beauty of Blackness. Not only do Black children need to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, but it's also necessary for all children, especially white children, to learn about the varied experiences and identities around them.
This idea can be explained by the term “mirrors and windows,” which was coined by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, Professor Emerita of Education at Ohio State University. Bishop describes this perfectly in her essay“Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors:”
“When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful message about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part. Our classrooms need to be places where all the children from all the cultures that make up the salad bowl of American society can find their mirrors.
Children from dominant social groups have always found their mirrors in books, but they, too, have suffered from the lack of availability of books about others. They need the books as windows onto reality, not just on imaginary worlds. They need books that will help them understand the multicultural nature of the world they live in, and their place as a member of just one group, as well as their connections to all other humans."
I hope that the following books provide some mirrors and/or windows for all of the beautiful children in your life.
Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
An inspiring, poetic ode to many different shades of brown, full of gorgeous imagery evocative of autumn.
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
A child is disheartened when it sinks in that Black is not a color associated with a rainbow, but they go on to find that Black is not just a color that describes everyday things such as a crayon, a feather, or a wheel on a bike. Black is so much more: it is rhythm and blues, it is a culture and history, it is community, and it is power and beauty. A must-read, this captivating book can be used as a primer to open up conversations about a myriad of movements and historical figures.
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
On the first day of school, a young girl’s name keeps getting stuck in her teacher’s mouth, and none of her classmates can pronounce it either. Feeling dismayed, her mother tries to cheer her up by teaching her that her name is a song, and that anyone’s name can be sung with a beautiful melody. She is strengthened by this knowledge, and works up the courage to share her song with her class. This book will have you singing your name and the names of your loved ones all day long!
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
The newest picture book from the team who brought us the award-winningCrown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. This radiant love letter affirms that Black boys are full of possibilities and that they are indeed “every good thing.”
My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Mackenzie has not had the best relationship with her hair growing up. Her classmates have also been pretty cruel and often tease her about it. One day, she finds refuge at her neighbor, Miss Tillie’s house. Miss Tillie teaches her that her hair is like a garden--if she nourishes it with love and care, and weeds out all the negative thoughts and insults, it will grow into something beautiful and bountiful. And be sure to check out Cabrera's newest book, Me & Mama, coming to the library soon!
No matter what kind of cool cut you rock, a high-top, curls, or lively locs (to name a few), this book will remind you that you were born to be awesome!
Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by A. G. Ford
Journey through a day in the life of a sweet brown baby in this cozy, heartwarming book. A perfect bedtime story for all kinds of babies.
Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Useni Eugene Perkins's classic poem has been brought to life by the incomparable Bryan Collier to create an uplifting love letter to every Black child.
Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Layla shares all of the things that make her happy, including dancing in the garden with a ladybug on her finger, feeding her chickens, and reading poetry with her mom. Layla will help you to see the bright side of life, and encourage you to think of all the things, little and big, that give you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter
A gorgeously illustrated story about a family who travels south for a family reunion at their grandmother’s house, each of them preparing a unique and personal tribute to their family history.
M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose
An alphabet book full of affirming messages celebrating Blackness.
I Believe I Can by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
An empowering book full of beautiful affirmations around self-worth, making mistakes and trying again, and always believing in oneself.
Black Girl Magic by Mahogany L. Browne, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
Mahogany L. Browne’s famous poem that pushes back on stereotypical notions of Black girlhood, is now accompanied by striking illustrations and infused with magic on every page. Most appropriate for older elementary and teen readers.
Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by Tony Medina
Dedicated to “Black and Brown children/whose every breath is affirmation,” this is a beautiful anthology of poems with accompanying illustrations representing the many varied experiences and ways of being a Black boy in this world.
Vibrant and illuminating, this book celebrates Black heroes, from Bessie Coleman, Harriet Tubman, and Madame C.J. Walker, to modern icons like Esperanza Spalding, Solange, and Ava Duvernay.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie
