Juneteenth Is

February 15, 2024
An African American child celebrates Juneteenth with her family. The unnamed young narrator awakens to the smell of Daddy's brisket cooking. She and her family pull up chairs and watch as a parade of dancers and musicians proceed down their street. Later, they go to Granddaddy's house, which is decorated with flags commemorating the occasion. As family members arrive, more voices are added to the mix. Some play basketball; others listen to music. After prayers, the family enjoys a meal full of food; the child notes the numerous red items there, and backmatter explores the significance of the color to Juneteenth and in West African cultures. Granddaddy discusses the day's historical importance and explains why they must remember those who came before them and who struggled and persevered. The final spreads proclaim that Juneteenth is an American holiday for all: "Juneteenth is all of us. We are America." Told from the perspective of a child finding joy and wonder in her family's traditions, this story strikes a balance between the celebratory aspects of the holiday and its historical origins. The strength of family and the power of community come through clearly. O'Brien's lively and colorful digital illustrations enhance the tale. A solid introduction to the holiday's history and traditions for the youngest audience. (bibliography) (Picture book. 5-8)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-The heart of Juneteenth celebrations lies in the community and family gatherings that take place on this day. This story offers a poignant and deeply meaningful look at the holiday through the eyes of one extended family. The family comes together to honor their heritage, share stories, and express their cultural pride. Tripplett's text is a heartfelt ode to the holiday, inviting readers to go with the family to the parade, dance to the music, to share fist bumps and hugs, and enjoy a plethora of food made from old family recipes. The prose is concise and impactful: "Juneteenth is the history lesson not taught at school." O'Brien's smooth, emotion-packed illustrations are the perfect counterpart, uplifting the text and sharing a story of their own. VERDICT A recommended purchase.-Cassie Veselovsky

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 25, 2024
Tripplett offers an overview of Juneteenth celebrations and history, beginning with a child’s waking to the smell of brisket. Alongside the recurring phrase, “Juneteenth is,” explanatory text takes the now camera-wielding child to a parade (“Juneteenth is the perfect sidewalk spot”), then to a family gathering at Grandaddy’s, decorated with flags of black, red, and green (“Juneteenth is the house getting louder”). In O’Brien’s distinctive digital illustrations, individuals of various abilities, body types, and skin tones gather around the table, then listen as “Grandaddy’s deep voice/ reminds us why we’re here.” In front of a wall of pictures, he cursorily shares historical events including enslavement, the Proclamation that “took/ two years to be proclaimed,” and “freedom shackled to a/ Parks, King, and Obama future.” It all leads to a group photo and the idea that “Juneteenth is all of us.// We are America,” making for an inclusive portrait of a close-knit contemporary community in conversation with history’s resonances. A brief note, “On the Significance of Red,” concludes. Ages 5–8.