Great Books to Commemorate Juneteenth

Last updated: June 11, 2025

June 19th 1865 commemorates the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. We celebrate Juneteenth as a day to honor the end of slavery and remember this important chapter in American history.

The books below share stories of enslaved people, brave abolitionists, and the communities built by freed Black Americans. As you celebrate this holiday with family, take time to read these stories together and understand what Juneteenth means for all of us. And don't stop here—keep exploring Black history with our other book recommendations for kids, tweens, and teens.