Tell Me About Juneteenth

K-Gr 3–A young Black girl joins her community to celebrate Juneteenth. Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the block party, which includes delicious foods, vendors, games, and more, the protagonist asks members of her family and neighborhood “what was the first Juneteenth like?” After hearing about parades, drum circles, singing, honoring the past and looking towards the future from cousins, aunts, and neighbors, Mr. Robert explains to the young girl how much the celebrations have evolved and grown since he was a child in the 1930s. He proceeds to share that his grandmother was alive during the first Juneteenth; to celebrate, she gathered with her community, sang spirituals, and shared food, not unlike the current festivities. As the party concludes, the young girl ponders the future of Juneteenth, certain that it will always contain music, meals, and endless love. Nash’s accessible and engaging text thoughtfully presents information about both the origins of the holiday as well as modern celebrations, while the bright and eye-catching illustrations brim with community and shared traditions. Back matter includes information on the history of Juneteenth and its recognition as a federal holiday, as well as a note on the significance of eating red food and a recipe for strawberry lemonade. Pair with Kim Taylor’s A Flag for Juneteenth and Natasha Tripplett’s Juneteenth Is for similar themes of history, tradition, and community.