Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free - The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

Booklist starred review
Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."
Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic--a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865--over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person's voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.
Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:

• all people are created equal
• the power of bravery and using your voice for change
• the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today
• no one is free unless everyone is free
• fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way

Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

About the author

Alice Faye Duncan is the author of several award-winning books including Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop; Evicted!; and Yellow Dog Blues. After many years writing to uplift young people with hope, Alice now brings clarity of thought, moving metaphors, and engaging lyricism to adult readers. In her devotional, she invites them to worship God and love people with acts of generosity that build a bridge to peace, joy, and abundance. Each passage offers wisdom drawn from Scripture and the lives of remarkable historical figures, pointing the way toward courage, faith, and light. Raised by parents who were both schoolteachers and devoted Bible readers, Alice inherited a passion for learning and a love for God's Word. Her parents also gave her a deep appreciation for sacred music--hymns, spirituals, and gospel songs. Alice was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, a city where every street corner hums with music. Memphis remains her home, and the city's history, people, and sounds are three constants that inspire her words. Alice likes to say, "God is my Creator. But I am Memphis-made." Learn more about the writer and her books at www.alicefayeduncan.com.

Summary

Booklist starred review
Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."
Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.
Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:

• all people are created equal
• the power of bravery and using your voice for change
• the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today
• no one is free unless everyone is free
• fighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way

Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

Product details

• Authors: Alice Faye Duncan
• Assisted by: Keturah A. Bobo (Illustration)
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: ages 4 to 8
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.01.2022
• EAN: 9781400231256
• ISBN: 978-1-4002-3125-6
• No. of pages: 32
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books > Non-fiction books / Non-fiction picture books > History, politics; JUVENILE NONFICTION / Inspirational & Personal Growth, CULTURAL HERITAGE / African American, TOPICAL / Black History