Juneteenth Is - by Natasha Tripplett (Hardcover)

About the Book

"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"--

Book Synopsis

An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of 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. An author's note also 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. Much-needed in this time of growing representation and discussion about equity and social justice, this book is a strong resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce Black history and encourage respectful conversations.

Perfect for:

• Anyone looking for diverse picture books
• Teachers and librarians
• Gift-giving for Juneteenth celebrations, Black History Month, or classroom bookshelf

Review Quotes

2024 Golden Poppy Award Winner-- Mirrors and Windows: Excellence in Children's Literature

"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

"[A]n inclusive portrait of a close-knit contemporary community in conversation with history's resonances." --Publishers Weekly

"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

"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

About the Author

Natasha Tripplettlives 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.