Tell me about Juneteenth

Nash details a history of Juneteenth through the eyes of a Black child at a block party who inquires, "What was the first Juneteenth like?" Hodge's unlined digital artwork captures the narrator's curiosity and the gathering's vibrancy, portraying a community with various abilities, body types, and skin tones recalling their experiences of the holiday. A cousin remembers "red drink and brisket" from their first celebration, while Aunt Judy describes a 1980s drum circle. When the children ask Mr. Robert, the eldest attendee, he shares details of historical events, including enslavement, and notes that while celebrations have changed, their essence remains. It's a forthright communal reminiscence that reflects on myriad traditions alongside an overarching theme: "On Juneteenth, we acknowledge our freedom." Back matter includes notes about Juneteenth and a recipe. Ages 4--8. (May)

K-Gr 3--A young Black girl joins her community to celebrate Juneteenth. Taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the block party, which includes delicious foods, vendors, games, and more, the protagonist asks members of her family and neighborhood "what was the first Juneteenth like?" After hearing about parades, drum circles, singing, honoring the past and looking towards the future from cousins, aunts, and neighbors, Mr. Robert explains to the young girl how much the celebrations have evolved and grown since he was a child in the 1930s. He proceeds to share that his grandmother was alive during the first Juneteenth; to celebrate, she gathered with her community, sang spirituals, and shared food, not unlike the current festivities. As the party concludes, the young girl ponders the future of Juneteenth, certain that it will always contain music, meals, and endless love. Nash's accessible and engaging text thoughtfully presents information about both the origins of the holiday as well as modern celebrations, while the bright and eye-catching illustrations brim with community and shared traditions. Back matter includes information on the history of Juneteenth and its recognition as a federal holiday, as well as a note on the significance of eating red food and a recipe for strawberry lemonade. Pair with Kim Taylor's A Flag for Juneteenth and Natasha Tripplett's Juneteenth Is for similar themes of history, tradition, and community. VERDICT. Highly recommended for purchase for any picture book or holiday collection.--Olivia Gorecke

On a day of festivities, a curious African American child asks the rest of the family some important questions. The Juneteenth block party brings the whole neighborhood together with food and games. Our 5-year-old narrator, hair adorned with twists, knows that everyone comes together on this day to "celebrate our freedom." But what did the first celebration look like? The child turns to an older cousin, Katelin, who describes the first Juneteenth that she remembers, five years ago: a big parade, a lot of red drink, and delicious brisket. Auntie Judy's not quite old enough to recall the first Juneteenth, but she says that in the 1980s, the day was observed with a drum circle in the park, smothered turkey wings, and everyone singing; the opening lyrics to "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (widely considered the Black national anthem) float across the page as she reminisces. Finally, elderly Mr. Robert tells the youngster--and readers--about the first Juneteenth, which his mother attended, and describes similarities and differences to celebrations today. After a day of learning history through discussions with family and community, the narrator considers how Juneteenth will look in another 100 years. Dominated by shades of red, Hodge's bright cartoons sets a festive tone, even as Nash gently explains that the holiday is rooted in the painful history of enslavement. Backmatter offers further context and notes how important red food and drinks are on this day. A kid-friendly exploration of a significant national holiday. (strawberry lemonade recipe)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.