Member Reviews
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
What a wonderful look at Juneteenth! I learned a lot and was motivated to learn even more. An uplifting, hopeful book with great illustrations and wonderfully thoughtful words.
As a Black woman and mother, The Juneteenth Alphabet resonated deeply with me. This beautifully crafted book is more than a celebration; it’s a teaching tool that helps bridge the gap between history and understanding for our little ones.
I believe it’s crucial for Black children to learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of our history because it shapes who they are and honors the sacrifices of their ancestors. My eldest daughter used to question why I celebrated Juneteenth with such passion until I explained its significance. This book would have made that conversation so much easier.
Andrea Underwood Petifer has masterfully broken down the complexities of Juneteenth in a way that is accessible for children, yet powerful enough to pull at the heartstrings of adults. It highlights the bravery and contributions of pivotal figures like Opal Lee and Thurgood Marshall, reminding young readers of the strength and resilience embedded in their heritage.
If you’re a parent struggling to explain the importance of Juneteenth to your child, this book is a perfect starting point. It’s a celebration of freedom, a history lesson, and a source of cultural pride all rolled into one. I highly recommend it to every family looking to instill a deeper understanding of Juneteenth in their little ones.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for the eARC!
Normally, when you think of alphabet books, you think of them being for pre-Kindergarten aged kids, but this is probably suited for kids in 1st-3rd grade! The illustrations are colorful and engaging, and I honestly learned so much from the contents of this book. They were little "Did You Know?" and other engaging bubbles on nearly every page, providing context and more insight into whatever letter was on the page of the time. Even though it had bigger vocabulary words for older readers. this book was so accessible and engaging. I would definitely recommend this for any library or home collection as it's a fantastic resource to teach your kids about Juneteenth.
A truly immersive and engaging look at Juneteenth in ABCs! The author includes multiple related words for each letter (which I love in ABC books) and, while presented in a way that's not too overwhelming for kids, it's also jam-packed with *so* much historical and cultural knowledge. Word bubbles throughout encourage readers to get out and do their own research and community activities, as well.
Overall, this is an awesome introduction to Juneteenth and a great way to get kids engaged and informed early!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Juneteenth Alphabet wasn't the book that I was expecting it to be, it was so much more. The author leads us through the alphabet and educates us on African-American culture, traditions, historical figures and aspects of the Juneteenth holiday in a way that invites discussion, discovery and contemplation. Normally, we think of alphabet books as being for Pre-K age kids, and I do feel like this would be the perfect book for a young child! This would be a treasured book for so many kids who could pick it up as they grow older and pass it down over the years. However, this is a wonderful book for everyone, of all ages, to read. I know, I know....but I challenge you, as an adult, to pick this book up and learn something new. Education is power!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.