Publishers Weekly
11/29/2021
Duncan introduces Opal Lee (b. 1926), a Black activist and storyteller known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” because of her work to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday, including—per back matter—her cross-country U.S. walk to collect petition signatures. The picture book’s framing features Lee telling stories “of yesteryear” to her great-grandson Buddy and a group of children with varying skin tones. Lee first relays the history of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, then tells about Juneteenth when she was a child in the Jim Crow era, when “an angry mob with flaming sticks burned my family’s brand-new house.” Throughout, multiple refrains remind readers to “Remember my words for safekeeping. Remember what I say. Juneteenth is bigger than Texas, singing, or dancing bands. Juneteenth is freedom rising. And freedom is for everyone.” Though there are some outmoded word choices (including slave as a noun), Bobo’s art focuses on expressive figures, portrayed against largely simple backgrounds, in this paean to Juneteenth and oral tradition. Back matter includes more about Lee, a recipe for Juneteenth “Red Punch” Strawberry Lemonade, a Juneteenth timeline, and sources. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)
Midwest Book Review
Entertaining, informative, inspiring, beautifully illustrated and thoroughly 'kid friendly' in presentation, 'Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free' is unequivocally and unreservedly recommended as a high priority addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Black History, American Biography, and Holiday Themed picture book collections.
School Library Journal
03/01/2022
K-Gr 2—From the award-winning author of Memphis, Martin, and The Mountain Top comes a biography of Opal Lee. The book opens to a Juneteenth celebration with music, food, and community, where Great-Grand Dear, Opal Lee, tells stories to the young people about the history of Juneteenth. "Freedom, hope, and JOY DIVINE! Juneteenth means it's FREEDOM TIME!" Through illustrative and truthful text, Duncan rings the celebration of Juneteenth, relating stories of the Emancipation Proclamation, the freeing of enslaved people in Texas, and Lee's experience with Jim Crow, racial violence, and activism. The narrative is fast-paced, with great emphasis on freedom and community. Bobo (Grace Byers's I Am Enough) dedicates her detail to the faces and people of this picture book. Bobo varies format from page to page to match the storytelling nature of the text, that includes adult Lee looking back on her memories. Full bleed illustrations bring readers back to the present Juneteenth celebration. The back matter includes a recipe for Juneteenth "Red Punch" strawberry lemonade, a Juneteenth time line, a brief biography of Opal Lee, and research sources. VERDICT A good choice for public and school libraries.—Ellen Sulzycki
