Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem

As the news arrives in Galveston, Texas that President Lincoln has just exclaimed “all who live in bondage here shall from now on be free,” those who’ve lived their lives in chains drop their shackles and revel in what emancipation might mean for their futures. Some take refuge in nearby sheds; others flee to neighboring lands where they toil in the fields of their fellow men, gaining a sense of identity from earning their keep. They delight in their long fought for liberty, dancing and celebrating through the night. Years later, their descendants remember them and share their stories, commemorating Juneteenth for a whole new generation.

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book. It’s perfect for youth who yearn to learn about consequential times in American history and what resulted from them. Staunch supporters of righteousness will be especially fond of this pick. It’ll touch them deeply, evoking gratitude for the changes that have occurred over the decades since 1865. Notably, no blame is placed on anyone for the atrocities that took place. At a time when political correctness has found a nesting ground in classrooms, this is particularly important and makes texts like this one even more valuable to young children ages nine to twelve.