Opal Lee and what it means to be free The true story of the grandmother of Juneteenth

In the midst of a Juneteenth jubilee, Opal Lee sits beneath a tree, surrounded by children eager to hear stories of this special day. The silver-haired woman--old but vivacious--begins with the holiday's origin story, as told to her by her father. Bobo's fabulous illustrations are richly colored and have a painted, folk art flair that helps tell Juneteenth's history as the true end to slavery in the U.S. Opal Lee then recounts her own childhood as a Black girl in Jim Crow Texas, where sweet freedoms went hand in hand with painful demonstrations of racism, such as segregation practices and the burning of her family's house by an angry mob. This, she declares, is the ember that still burns in her to fight for freedom for everyone. Before sending the multiracial group of children off to enjoy the barbecue, she reminds them that "Juneteenth is freedom rising. And freedom is for everyone. Juneteenth is YOU and ME." Duncan includes a more detailed biography of Opal Lee, "the Grandmother of Juneteenth," at the story's end, which makes Lee's passion and life experiences ring all the louder in the narrative. Back matter also includes a recipe for Juneteenth Red Punch, a time line, and bibliography. A joyous account of Juneteenth's meaning that doesn't overlook the harsher aspects of history or the work that is yet to be done.

Duncan introduces Opal Lee (b. 1926), a Black activist and storyteller known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" because of her work to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday, including--per back matter--her cross-country U.S. walk to collect petition signatures. The picture book's framing features Lee telling stories "of yesteryear" to her great-grandson Buddy and a group of children with varying skin tones. Lee first relays the history of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, then tells about Juneteenth when she was a child in the Jim Crow era, when "an angry mob with flaming sticks burned my family's brand-new house." Throughout, multiple refrains remind readers to "Remember my words for safekeeping. Remember what I say. Juneteenth is bigger than Texas, singing, or dancing bands. Juneteenth is freedom rising. And freedom is for everyone." Though there are some outmoded word choices (including slave as a noun), Bobo's art focuses on expressive figures, portrayed against largely simple backgrounds, in this paean to Juneteenth and oral tradition. Back matter includes more about Lee, a recipe for Juneteenth "Red Punch" Strawberry Lemonade, a Juneteenth timeline, and sources. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)

K-Gr 2--From the award-winning author of Memphis, Martin, and The Mountain Top comes a biography of Opal Lee. The book opens to a Juneteenth celebration with music, food, and community, where Great-Grand Dear, Opal Lee, tells stories to the young people about the history of Juneteenth. "Freedom, hope, and JOY DIVINE! Juneteenth means it's FREEDOM TIME!" Through illustrative and truthful text, Duncan rings the celebration of Juneteenth, relating stories of the Emancipation Proclamation, the freeing of enslaved people in Texas, and Lee's experience with Jim Crow, racial violence, and activism. The narrative is fast-paced, with great emphasis on freedom and community. Bobo (Grace Byers's I Am Enough) dedicates her detail to the faces and people of this picture book. Bobo varies format from page to page to match the storytelling nature of the text, that includes adult Lee looking back on her memories. Full bleed illustrations bring readers back to the present Juneteenth celebration. The back matter includes a recipe for Juneteenth "Red Punch" strawberry lemonade, a Juneteenth time line, a brief biography of Opal Lee, and research sources. VERDICT A good choice for public and school libraries.--Ellen Sulzycki