Juneteenth

Presenting information as straightforwardly as possible, this entry in the Holidays series centers around Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery. Murray recounts how the holiday's name came from the date June 19, 1865 when the last slaves were freed after Northern troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, years after the Emancipation Proclamation. She balances more historical facts, including a quick look at the institution of slavery, the Civil War, and details of how the date became an official Texas holiday in 1980, with descriptions of how Juneteenth is celebrated: an emphasis on food, dancing, singing, storytelling, and the color red, evoking the blood of slaves and those who died fighting for freedom. A variety of festive photographs and a few pieces of period artwork break up the text and reinforce key concepts. In an age overloaded with tertiary holidays, here's a fine book to help introduce a celebration that warrants a bigger public profile.--Chipman, Ian Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 2-4-Brief chapters give readers broad summaries of these holidays-their origin or meaning, how they are celebrated, traditions today, and "important words." Color photographs with descriptive captions give further explanations, while the texts are presented in simple sentences in a large font. Easter gives background information and explains the celebration through secular and sacred symbols and traditions: lilies, bunnies, Faberge eggs, and PEEPS, among others. Juneteenth provides the most complete information, introducing the Civil War, slavery, and typical activities and food to honor the day. Saint Patrick's Day offers a glance at Irish culture, symbols, and the history of the holiday and how it changed over time, but readers will need to search suggested web links about St. Patrick to find out more about the man and why he is revered. Each book contains a websites area that directs readers to links on the publisher's site but not all of them are designed for younger children. Additional purchases as needed by topic.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.