Booklist starred review
Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for
everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to
see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of
Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard
of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and
celebrate "freedom for all."
Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic--a drumming,
dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that
Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's
Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865--over two
years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see
freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve
years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't
freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person's voice
make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of
Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by
honoring the past.
Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children
ages 4 to 8 will learn:
- all people are created equal
- the power of bravery and using your voice for change
- the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today
- no one is free unless everyone is free
- fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way
Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator
Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free
by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day
Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.
