The Only Reading List You Need This Juneteenth
Juneteenth has been a cornerstone of Black American history since 1865, marking the moment enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. While communities have kept this tradition alive for over a century, official federal recognition only arrived in 2021. To celebrate the enduring spirit of the holiday, we’ve curated a must-read book list for the whole family, spanning soul-stirring history, vibrant cookbooks, and stories to inspire the next generation.
“A Committee of One: How Faith + Action = A PurposeFULL Life” by Opal Lee
“A Committee of One: How Faith + Action = A PurposeFULL Life” is a memoir by the grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee, who at the age of 90 began campaigning for the day to become a recognized holiday. In the pages, Lee details how her faith led her on a journey of fighting for Black justice, recognition and living a life full of purpose.
“First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth” by Angélique Roché
Your children also deserve the chance to learn about Opal Lee’s inspiring life story, and “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth” by Angélique Roché does exactly that, bringing her story to a level kids will understand.
“Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise” by Lavaille Lavette
In “Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise,” Lavaille Lavette has created a children’s book that will educate your little one on the history of enslaved African Americans and their journey to freedom. The colorful illustrations will keep your kid engaged, and the surprise that Jayylen cooks up for his family’s Juneteenth celebration will spread the joy and significance of this holiday.
Related: Ingenious Stories of Daring Slave Escapes That Will Make You Proud to Be Black
“Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery” by Deborah Willis and Barbara Krauthamer
Photographic historian Deborah Willis and historian of slavery Barbara Krauthamer joined together to create “Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery.” This incredibly important book features 150 images of African Americans from the 1850s to the 1930s, taking readers on a journey through never before seen history.
“Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue” by Adrian Miller
Food is a significant way to retain culture and share traditions with the younger generations. In “Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue,” Adrian Miller not only shows mouthwatering recipes, but he also dives into the history of Black barbecuers, their innovative ways and how Black chefs are responsible for influencing this popular form of American cuisine.
“Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth” by Tonya Abari
“Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth” is a preschool-grade board book that serves as a fun introduction to African American history and the many ways Juneteenth can be celebrated. With vibrant illustrations by Tabitha Brown and rhyming text by Tonya Abari, this book is sure to get your kid excited to learn about their cultural history.
“On Juneteenth” by Annette Gordon-Reed
Through a series of essays, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed digs deep into the history of enslaved African Americans in Texas and the origins of Juneteenth.
“High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America” by Jessica B. Harris
James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jessica B. Harris breaks down the history of cuisine spanning from the African continent to America in another cookbook that will get your belly rumbling this Juneteenth. The book has also been turned into a Netflix documentary series of the same name.
“The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate” by Alliah L. Agostini and Taffy Elrod
“The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate” by Alliah L. Agostini and chef Taffy Elrod is perfect for a culinary family affair to get your kids in on the celebrations. With main meals, sides and desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Juneteenth” by Ralph Ellison
Ralph Ellison’s second novel, “Juneteenth,” is a follow-up to his 1953 book, “Invisible Man,” and was constructed from thousands of manuscript drafts published after his death in 1994. The powerful story follows a racist politician who begs a Black priest to tell him the history of Black folks in the South and the rich history of jazz and gospel in African American culture.
“Juneteenth Is” by Natasha Tripplett
“Juneteenth Is” by Natasha Tripplett is a children’s book explaining why this day is an important holiday and the many different things it represents in Black America, whether that be the joy of being with your family or how Juneteenth is a symbol of hope.
“Jubilee” by Margaret Walker
In this historical fiction novel, Margaret Walker relies on her family history and 30 years of research as inspiration for the story of Vyry, the child of a white plantation owner and his Black mistress, and her experience living in the South’s antebellum era.
“Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts” by Rebecca Hall
Historian Rebecca Hall unearths the forgotten stories of the brave Black women who led slave revolts, fighting for freedom on ships and being revolutionaries in colonial-era New York.
“Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls” by Rob Edwards
“Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls” by Rob Edwards turns the life story of the Union Navy captain and important historical figure Robert Smalls into an epic graphic novel. It will have you on the edge of your seat, turning the pages as you take in important Black American history.
“Harriet Tubman: From Her Roots in Ghana to Her Legacy on the Eastern Shore” by Rita Daniels and Jean Marie Wiesen
While many know Harriet Tubman as an iconic conductor for the Underground Railroad, not a lot of people know where her story begins. In “Harriet Tubman: From Her Roots in Ghana to Her Legacy on the Eastern Shore,” Rita Daniels and Jean Marie Wiesen teach readers all about Tubman’s roots, her role as a Union Army scout, spy, and military strategist, and, of course, her powerful activism.
“Barracoon: The Story of the Last Slave” by Zora Neale Hurston
“Barracoon” is the true story of one of the last-known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade, Cudjo Lewis. The book details a conversation that Hurston had with Lewis and his recounts of being captured in Africa and brought to America as a slave.
“Conjure Women” by Afia Atakora
Spanning across multiple generations, “Conjure Women” by Afia Atakora tells the story of the South from before the Civil War to life after that important turning point in American history. The novel focuses on the bond of Rue, Varina, and May Belle and the lengths they’ll go to help their loved ones.
