Juneteenth

March 1, 2006
Gr 2-4 -"Washington" describes the burning of the White House as seen through the eyes of President Madison -s slave, 15-year-old Paul Jennings. The account unfolds chronologically during August and September 1814. A brief, vague explanation for the presence of British soldiers is given. Dialogue, thoughts, and other events are compiled from cited, primary sources written by Jennings; French John, the head servant; and First Lady Dolley Madison. Notable for telling a historical event from the viewpoint of a slave, the book fails to show the nature of slavery objectively. Whereas the afterword reveals that Dolley Madison sold Jennings after her husband -s death, the story -s illustrations depict Jennings as equal to employee French John rather than as property. Jennings wears fine clothes, speaks freely to the First Lady, and appears to have unlimited access to the President -s home. In contrast, "Juneteenth" shows the relief of slaves in Galveston, TX, when freedom was proclaimed, emphasizing that slaves were not ordinary workers but forced laborers. The description of slavery is brave in its honesty, difficult to read but necessary to understand. The Civil War and President Lincoln -s Emancipation Proclamation are also included, but the emphasis remains on the news of freedom-it traveled slowly, was heard with disbelief, and was celebrated on June 19, 1865, with picnics, song, and parades. The book concludes by describing modern Juneteenth celebrations and remembrances across the country. Realistic paintings in vibrant colors illustrate these easy readers." -Julie R. Ranelli, Episcopal Center for Children, Washington, DC"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2006
Gr. 2-4. As the school year lengthens well into June and as Juneteenth celebrations gain footing across much of the country, books on this grassroots holiday, which celebrates the belated arrival of emancipation news to Texas slaves on June 19, 1865, are sure to become increasingly popular. This entry in the On My Own Holidays series offers a solid introduction to the holiday for independent readers or for presenting to small groups. At times the historical overview sacrifices nuance for concision (not every abolitionist, for instance, "believed that blacks and whites were equal"), but the understated narrative draws children in with a dramatization of Galveston slaves receiving the long-delayed news, followed by powerful accounts of the history of slavery, the Civil War, and the incremental emancipation process. Schroder's pastel illustrations can appear muddy, but at their best, leaping, embracing figures convey the resilience and rejoicing of celebrants then and now. Information about Juneteenth traditions--such as red velvet cake and red soda pop as symbols of bloodshed in the battle for freedom--will help young readers plan jubilees of their own.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)