lahars_little_library's review against another edition
3.0
I felt this book was unfocused. I expected more information about Opal Lee and her connection to Juneteenth but didn't get that until the afterward. I also felt the tone of the book was inconsistent- sometimes lyrical, sometimes direct. Many of the metaphors used would be difficult for elementary children to understand so I would have trouble finding an appropriate audience for this book. This was disappointing to me because I am looking for more literature to be introduced on black history especially books marking joyful progress like the acceptance of Juneteenth as a national holiday.
lucy_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
A short, easy to read and beautifully illustrated, child-friendly book that tells Opal Lee’s story and the history of “Juneteenth” (which I had never heard of!). It’s story of slavery, emancipation and black activism.
It will be a great conversation starter and a valuable part of classrooms & libraries.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#OpalLeeandWhatItMeanstoBeFree #NetGalley
It will be a great conversation starter and a valuable part of classrooms & libraries.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#OpalLeeandWhatItMeanstoBeFree #NetGalley
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely a book to add to your holiday collection to share the meaning behind the national holiday.
panda_incognito's review against another edition
3.0
This picture book briefly introduces the history of Juneteenth, emphasizing the ways that Opal Lee advocated for its adoption as a holiday. The book has great illustrations and easy-to-read writing, and I appreciate the emphasis on family bonds and celebrating together. The book's framing device of a celebration helps contextualize the heavy topic for kids, and the book ends on a hopeful note.
The reason why I am only giving this book three stars is because it does not explain the Emancipation Proclamation in relation to the Civil War. Although I understand the desire to simplify complex history for kids, this book doesn't mention the Civil War until the historical notes at the end, and it seems both strange and potentially confusing to young readers. This book makes it seem like Abraham Lincoln just woke up one day and decided to free everyone, and even though I wouldn't expect a picture book for children to address all of the surrounding legal and social context for this document, it disappointed me that the author sidestepped the war entirely when it is central to the true story.
This picture book provides a child-level explanation of slavery and the creation of the Juneteenth holiday, but because it doesn't address the Civil War, the book profoundly oversimplifies the Emancipation Proclamation and leaves confusing gaps in knowledge related to why it took so long for the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, to know that they were free. Although this book celebrates Opal Lee's activism and provides an adequate explanation of Junteenth for young children, parents and educators who want to provide a full historical explanation of Junteenth should use this as supplementary material.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The reason why I am only giving this book three stars is because it does not explain the Emancipation Proclamation in relation to the Civil War. Although I understand the desire to simplify complex history for kids, this book doesn't mention the Civil War until the historical notes at the end, and it seems both strange and potentially confusing to young readers. This book makes it seem like Abraham Lincoln just woke up one day and decided to free everyone, and even though I wouldn't expect a picture book for children to address all of the surrounding legal and social context for this document, it disappointed me that the author sidestepped the war entirely when it is central to the true story.
This picture book provides a child-level explanation of slavery and the creation of the Juneteenth holiday, but because it doesn't address the Civil War, the book profoundly oversimplifies the Emancipation Proclamation and leaves confusing gaps in knowledge related to why it took so long for the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, to know that they were free. Although this book celebrates Opal Lee's activism and provides an adequate explanation of Junteenth for young children, parents and educators who want to provide a full historical explanation of Junteenth should use this as supplementary material.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
hexed_goldfish's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
zombiezami's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
heyanci's review against another edition
4.0
A huge thanks to Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy . All opinions expressed are my own.
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of how Juneteenth came to be and tells the story of Black activist Opal Lee.. The picture book’s is laid out in a way that Opal is the one telling her story to her great-grandson Buddy and a group of children where she tells them the history of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, then tells about Juneteenth when she was a child in the Jim Crow era, I enjoyed this book and found it eye opening . Read it and absorb it! Everyone should read this book.
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of how Juneteenth came to be and tells the story of Black activist Opal Lee.. The picture book’s is laid out in a way that Opal is the one telling her story to her great-grandson Buddy and a group of children where she tells them the history of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, then tells about Juneteenth when she was a child in the Jim Crow era, I enjoyed this book and found it eye opening . Read it and absorb it! Everyone should read this book.