Juneteenth Book Recommendations

Juneteenth, June 19th, is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Juneteenth is a holiday for people to “come together with their families and communities to express pride in Black culture and hope in a more just future. This can be a time to learn about the history of enslaved Africans and African Americans and celebrate with Black communities the uniqueness of their culture and lived experiences in the United States.”

Thank you so much to the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc for these recommendations of books filled with diversity and positive affirmations.

Picture Books/ Elementary

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison: “Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history. Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things.” - Amazon

We All Belong: A Children's Book About Diversity, Race and Empathy by Nathalie Goss and Alex Goss: “A beautifully written and illustrated children's picture book that recognizes and celebrates the diversity in a caring group of children.” - Amazon

Adventures in the Wood by Eleonora Ferrero and Catriona Carswell: “When Alex and her parents move away from the city, she feels lonelier than ever. Then Rory the dog arrives, and everything changes. A brilliantly fun story about change, feelings, and friendship.” -Amazon

Too-Small Tyson by JaNay Brown-Wood and Anastasia Williams: “Celebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling! Tyson may be the smallest and youngest of five brothers, but his math skills make him a giant at saving the day when the family pet goes missing.” -Kirkus

Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy by Van G. Garrett and Reginald C Adams: “A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history.” - Amazon

I'm A Little King by Sharifa Brown: “Filled with inspiring, encouraging, empowering, and positive affirmations, this book will help little black and brown boys remain true to themselves while showcasing their greatness.” - Amazon

A Library by Nikki Giovanni and Erin K. Robinson: “A lushly illustrated homage to librarians who provide a welcome and a home away from home for all who enter.” - Kirkus

Ty's Travels: Lab Magic by Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata: “Science exploration, imagination, and play are highlighted in this fun story. When Ty can’t participate in a lab activity because of his age, he uses his big imagination at home. Discovering new things is so much fun!” - Amazon

Cece Loves Science and Adventure by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes: “In this STEM-themed Girls in Science picture book, Cece and her Adventure Girls troop use science, technology, engineering, and math to solve problems and earn their camping pin.” - Amazon

upper elementary

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles and Dapo Adeola: “In the first Legendary Alston Boys mystery from Edgar Award nominee Lamar Giles, two adventurous cousins accidentally freeze time on the last day of summer, and the secrets hidden between the seconds, minutes, and hours aren't quite the endless fun they expected!” - Amazon

Josie's Hope: A Secret City Revealed by Katatra Vasquez: “A graphic novel written to recognize the historically forgotten African American residents displaced for the development of the top-secret World War II Manhattan Project in the city now known as Oak Ridge, Tennessee.” - Barnes & Noble

The Boy Who Became King: LeBron James by Anthony Curcio: “This fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy and his loving, single mother and their struggle to make it on their own. With the help of a coach and his family, LeBron is introduced to the game of basketball.” - Amazon