Juneteenth Is

by Natasha Tripplett, Daniel J. O'Brien (Illustrator)

Overview

An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm look at a family and a community. 

Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another.

This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. With poignant text and vivid illustrations, Juneteenth Is offers a window and a mirror for readers, resonating with kids who will see themselves reflected in its pages and those who hope to understand experiences beyond their own.

CELEBRATES BLACK JOY: At its root, this is a story of family and community. Vibrant illustrations capture the warmth and unity of Black families and Black communities in a portrait of beautiful joy.

REMEMBERING A LEGACY: Both a story of celebration and a commemoration of freedom, this book honors a past of struggle, resilience, and triumph. It recognizes Juneteenth not just as a holiday but as a cultural legacy.

INCLUDES AN AUTHOR’S NOTE: Additional backmatter explains the significance of the color red to Juneteenth—its use as a symbol of African American endurance and the ways Black communities weave the color into modern-day celebrations through food and clothing.

BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY: Juneteenth marks an undeniable truth of American history and remains a cultural touchstone for many Black Americans, making it important for all Americans to understand.

POIGNANT & TIMELY: This is a much-needed book in a time of growing representation and discussion about equity and social justice. With accessible text, it will serve as a strong resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce Black history and encourage respectful conversations.

Perfect for:

• Black families
• Teachers and librarians
• Kids interested in books about African American history
• Anyone looking for diverse picture books by Black creators
• Gift-giving for Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month, or classroom bookshelf

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781797230528
Publisher:	Chronicle Books LLC
Publication date:	04/09/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	695,598
File size:	110 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Natasha Tripplett lives in Northern California, where she writes from a tree house perched in a sycamore. She is a Jamaican Jewish American author who is passionate about cultural representation in children’s literature. You can visit her at natashabooks.com.
Daniel J. O'Brien is a Trinidadian-born author and illustrator. He holds a BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts. He currently lives in New York with his fantastic partner and loyal dog. You can visit him at danielostudios.com.

Editorial Reviews

03/25/2024

Tripplett offers an overview of Juneteenth celebrations and history, beginning with a child’s waking to the smell of brisket. Alongside the recurring phrase, “Juneteenth is,” explanatory text takes the now camera-wielding child to a parade (“Juneteenth is the perfect sidewalk spot”), then to a family gathering at Grandaddy’s, decorated with flags of black, red, and green (“Juneteenth is the house getting louder”). In O’Brien’s distinctive digital illustrations, individuals of various abilities, body types, and skin tones gather around the table, then listen as “Grandaddy’s deep voice/ reminds us why we’re here.” In front of a wall of pictures, he cursorily shares historical events including enslavement, the Proclamation that “took/ two years to be proclaimed,” and “freedom shackled to a/ Parks, King, and Obama future.” It all leads to a group photo and the idea that “Juneteenth is all of us.// We are America,” making for an inclusive portrait of a close-knit contemporary community in conversation with history’s resonances. A brief note, “On the Significance of Red,” concludes. Ages 5–8. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

The balance between the celebratory tone and the history lesson is impressively struck, with our young narrator a mix of giddy joy and quiet reverence as she takes in the holiday happenings.” — The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

“This story strikes a balance between the celebratory aspects of the holiday and its historical origins. The strength of family and the power of community come through clearly.” — Kirkus Reviews 

“This story offers a poignant and deeply meaningful look at the holiday through the eyes of one extended family. Tripplett’s text is a heartfelt ode to the holiday… O’Brien’s smooth, emotion-packed illustrations are the perfect counterpart, uplifting the text and sharing a story of their own.”

— School Library Journal

“[A]n inclusive portrait of a close-knit contemporary community in conversation with history’s resonances.” —Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

03/01/2024

PreS-Gr 3—The heart of Juneteenth celebrations lies in the community and family gatherings that take place on this day. This story offers a poignant and deeply meaningful look at the holiday through the eyes of one extended family. The family comes together to honor their heritage, share stories, and express their cultural pride. Tripplett's text is a heartfelt ode to the holiday, inviting readers to go with the family to the parade, dance to the music, to share fist bumps and hugs, and enjoy a plethora of food made from old family recipes. The prose is concise and impactful: "Juneteenth is the history lesson not taught at school." O'Brien's smooth, emotion-packed illustrations are the perfect counterpart, uplifting the text and sharing a story of their own. VERDICT A recommended purchase.—Cassie Veselovsky

School Library Journal

2024-01-20
An African American child celebrates Juneteenth with her family.

The unnamed young narrator awakens to the smell of Daddy’s brisket cooking. She and her family pull up chairs and watch as a parade of dancers and musicians proceed down their street. Later, they go to Granddaddy’s house, which is decorated with flags commemorating the occasion. As family members arrive, more voices are added to the mix. Some play basketball; others listen to music. After prayers, the family enjoys a meal full of food; the child notes the numerous red items there, and backmatter explores the significance of the color to Juneteenth and in West African cultures. Granddaddy discusses the day’s historical importance and explains why they must remember those who came before them and who struggled and persevered. The final spreads proclaim that Juneteenth is an American holiday for all: “Juneteenth is all of us. We are America.” Told from the perspective of a child finding joy and wonder in her family’s traditions, this story strikes a balance between the celebratory aspects of the holiday and its historical origins. The strength of family and the power of community come through clearly. O’Brien’s lively and colorful digital illustrations enhance the tale.

A solid introduction to the holiday’s history and traditions for the youngest audience. (bibliography) (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews