Great Books to Commemorate Juneteenth

Last updated: June 17, 2026

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.

Filter by:

Sort by:

Juneteenth book cover: The title in bold letters on a purple strip centered; 4 photos in each corner of Black kids and adults celebrating Juneteenth

BOOK

Juneteenth: We Celebrate

age 2+

Gorgeous, charming board book shows Juneteenth's joy.

Dolisha Mitchell , Ashley Jefferson Board (2026)

See full review

Juneteenth Book Cover: Illustrated image of many Black and Brown people of different ages and skin tones, holding the Juneteenth flag

BOOK

Juneteenth

age 3+

Lyrical, vibrant celebration of the Juneteenth holiday.

Van G. Garrett Picture Book (2023)

See full review

Brick by Brick Poster Image

BOOK

Brick by Brick

age 4+

Inspiring tale of enslaved workers building the White House.

Charles R. Smith Jr. History (2012)

See full review

So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story book cover: Joyful parade and celebration scenes held in open hands

BOOK

So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story

age 4+

Poetic celebration of resilience and the power of Black joy.

Anne Wynter Picture Book (2025)

See full review

They Built Me for Freedom book cover: Black children of different skin tones happily run in a park on a sunny day.

BOOK

They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park

age 4+

Stunning Juneteenth book celebrates freedom, unity, and joy.

Tonya Duncan Ellis Picture Book (2024)

See full review

A Kids Book About Juneteenth book cover: Book title in white and brown letters fit around photos of black people, flowers

BOOK

A Kids Book About Juneteenth

age 5+

Spare, bold book shares Juneteenth's enduring meaning.

Garrison Hayes History (2023)

See full review

Henry's Freedom Box Poster Image

BOOK

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad

age 5+

Heartrending, hopeful true story of enslaved boy's escape.

Ellen Levine Picture Book (2008)

See full review

I Am Harriet Tubman: Ordinary People Change the World Poster Image

BOOK

I Am Harriet Tubman: Ordinary People Change the World

age 5+

Courage, doing the right thing are themes in thrilling bio.

Brad Meltzer Biography (2018)

See full review

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom Poster Image

BOOK

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

age 5+

Beautiful picture book bio shows Tubman rooted in faith.

Carole Boston Weatherford Biography (2006)

See full review

Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History Poster Image

BOOK

Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History

age 5+

Vibrant celebration of heroes in African American history.

Schele Williams Picture Book (2021)

See full review

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom Poster Image

BOOK

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom

age 6+

Poignant imagining of enslaved people learning of freedom.

Angela Johnson Picture Book (2014)

See full review

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan Poster Image

BOOK

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan

age 6+

Document inspires vivid, moving portraits of enslaved lives.

Ashley Bryan Historical Fiction (2016)

See full review

She Persisted: Harriet Tubman Poster Image

BOOK

She Persisted: Harriet Tubman

age 6+

Humanizing story of a fierce, tender, trailblazing woman.

Andrea Davis Pinkney , Chelsea Clinton Biography (2021)

See full review

Show Way Poster Image

BOOK

Show Way

age 6+

Beautiful story of family's journey from slavery to freedom.

Jacqueline Woodson Historical Fiction (2006)

See full review

Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History Poster Image

BOOK

Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History

age 7+

Beautifully illustrated bio of abolition's greatest hero.

Walter Dean Myers Picture Book (2017)

See full review

Ida B. Wells: Discovering History's Heroes Poster Image

BOOK

Ida B. Wells: Discovering History's Heroes

age 7+

Inspiring biography of courageous civil rights pioneer.

Diane Bailey Biography (2019)

See full review

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water Poster Image

BOOK

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

age 7+

Emotional reframing of U.S. history, slavery, and rebirth.

Nikole Hannah-Jones , Renée Watson Picture Book (2021)

See full review

The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers Cover

BOOK

The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers

age 7+

Powerful account of the holiday's roots and celebrations.

Arlisha Norwood History (2022)

See full review

The People Remember Poster Image

BOOK

The People Remember

age 7+

Emotional book ties 500-year history to Kwanzaa principles.

Ibi Zoboi Picture Book (2021)

See full review

My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth Poster Image

BOOK

My Name Is Truth: The Life of Sojourner Truth

age 8+

Inspirational and informative intro to an American hero.

Ann Turner Biography (2015)

See full review

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.