FICTION

Freedom Celebration: A Juneteenth Party

by Angela Dalton (text) & illus. by Keisha Morris
HarperCollins. (I Can Read Level 3). May 2025. 32p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780063334977; pap. $5.99. ISBN 9780063334953.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3–Gloria invites readers to come to her family barbecue, celebrating an important day in African American history, Juneteenth. Using accessible language with only four or five sentences per page, Gloria and her relatives explain the history behind the celebration and why it is an important day to remember. This book includes more challenging vocabulary like “combination,” “enslavers,” and “shameful.” Morris’s bright illustrations capture the present-day barbecue in vibrant color and the events in the past in muted beige and dark blue. Back matter includes an author’s note about why this day is difficult to explain and its importance.
VERDICT A comprehensive overview of this celebration in language that is easy for emerging readers. Highly recommended for all collections.
Reviewed by Heidi Dechief , Mar 01, 2025

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

That Time I Turned Into a Worm
by Gómez
BOOKS

The Bear Out There
by Hannigan, Jess
BOOKS

Just One Wave: A Picture Book
by Jonker, Travis
BOOKS

Whose Baby Is This?
by Píro, Radka
BOOKS

I Will Be Fierce!
by Birdsong, Bea
BOOKS

You’re Beautiful
by Bonner, Mauli Junior & Chantél Bonner
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?