Saturday, February 6, 2010

Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth Story


Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth Story

Written by: Valerie Wesley
Illustrated by: Sharon Wilson

"Wesley explores a unique holiday in Texas that has recently begun to be celebrated by African Americans in other parts of the U.S. as well. While Lincoln declared the slaves free in January 1863, the slaves in Texas were not freed until June 19, 1865. Set in 1943, this story tells of June, a young African-American Texan, and her cousin who is visiting from New York City. Juneteenth is June's favorite holiday, but Lillie belittles it until the girls go to the big celebratory picnic and their great-great-aunt Marshall, once a slave, helps her understand the importance of "freedom's gifts."

School Library Journal Review


Online Resources:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/juneteenth.htm

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