Juneteenth

Garrett’s observational storytelling combines detailed ink and watercolor scenes from muralists Adams and Adenugba to create a stirring portrait of a Juneteenth spent in Galveston, Tex., where the holiday began. A Black family of four packs their car for a road trip: “We loaded the car/ in search of sounds and stars.// Snacks in backpacks.” Upon arriving, they make their way to the Strand, toting a wagon full of picnic fixings and waving at other attendees until finding a place to watch the parade. When it starts—musicians play, floats pass—the child narrator muses, “This parade felt different.... Many of the people on the big, bright floats looked like me.” And as the festivities continue, and the main character’s mother tells them of Juneteenth’s history—pictured in historical vignettes—the youth soon understands “why we drove the miles/ and strangers smiled.” Ending with a crowd joining together for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” this slice-of-life portrait of Juneteenth cements the day not merely as one of jubilation, but as a celebration of community too. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 4–8. (May)