Juneteenth and Anti-Racism Book List
June 8, 2022
Books About and For Juneteenth
On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reid
A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Texas native tells the store of Juneteenth. Combines history, family chronicle and personal anecdotes. Excellent and hard-hitting read.
Black History, Anti-Racism
Built From The Fire by Victor Luckerson
Anyone who wants to understand history in America should read about the Tulsa Race Massacre. This book follows the Goodwin family, long-time residents of the Greenwood neighborhood who lived through this terrible event.
By Hands Now Known by Margaret Burnham
Essential reading about the Jim Crow era. Although Juneteenth formally ended slavery, racial injustice was carried forward, often legally.
King: A Life by Jonathan Eig
Brilliant new biography. ‘Nough said
All That She Carried by Tiya Miles
In 1850s South Carolina a mother packs a bag for her daughter. When the daughter is sold and separated from her family, she carries this bag with her. Tiya Miles traces this family keepsake back through the generations, exploring the destruction and horror of slavery.
Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo
The true story of a husband and wife escaping slavery by disguising themselves – this is history that reads like a thriller!
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
This 2016 Putlizer Prize-winning novel reimagines the real-life Underground Railroad which saved so many Americans from slavery.
Young Adult
Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Ages 12+. “An amazingly timely and stunningly accessible manifesto for young people…. At times funny, at times somber but always packed with relevant information that is at once thoughtful and spot-on, Stamped is the book I wish I had as a young person and am so grateful my own children have now.”— Jacqueline Woodson, bestselling and National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming
Children & Young Readers
Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth by Tonya Abari (Author), Tabitha Brown (Illustrator)
For your little one – a bright, bold history of Juneteenth!
Juneteenth by Van G Garrett
Ages 4-8. In this picture book a modern-day family attends the Juneteenth parade in Galveston, Texas. where the holiday originated. While enjoying the festivities the family learns the important history of June 19th.
Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor
Ages 4-8. A young girl contemplates how her life will change tomorrow – June 19th 1865. This book will put you in the shoes of the people who experienced the day – and the artwork reflects the quilt the community made to celebrate their freedom!
A Song for Juneteenth by Zetta Elliot
Ages 4-6. Acclaimed poet Zetta Elliot celebrates Juneteenth, and the power of black families and communities in this emotional picture book in verse.
Honorable Mentions from Zenith Bookstore’s 2022 Book List
What is Juneteenth? by Kirsti Jewel
Opal Lee and What It Means to be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan
A Child’s Introduction to African-American History by Jabari Asim
Juneteenth: Our Day of Freedom by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
Commitment to Change is a collaborative effort between Lake Superior College and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce to build a more inclusive and diverse community through education, resources, opportunities, and partnerships. This robust Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion resource guide has been curated from experts across the Twin Ports to share with your organizations in honor of Juneteenth.