They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park
By Diondra K. Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Stunning Juneteenth book celebrates freedom, unity, and joy.
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What's the Story?
THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON'S EMANCIPATION PARK takes readers back to June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom. The next year, Juneteenth celebrations began and in 1872 community leaders in Houston, Texas bought 10 acres to commemorate the end of slavery. Emancipation Park became a place where everyone could be free. Families of all backgrounds have come together to celebrate Juneteenth and build community there for many decades. When the neighborhood changes in the 1970's, the park falls into disrepair. It took many years, but in 2007, the community came together to restore the park. It's now again bustling with joy, fun, and connectedness -- and a great big Juneteenth celebration every year.
Is It Any Good?
This book is a real joy to read. It holds soft, yet powerful images and a lyrically written story told from the perspective of the park that will captivate readers. They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park reminds everyone of the power of community, the need to fight for justice, and the importance of honoring history. It's a beautiful reminder to take pride in places that have deep meaning, and commemorate those who paved the way for the lives we're able to live today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park the park was created to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. After reading the book, what did you learn about this holiday?
Emancipation Park hosts amazing Juneteenth celebrations. Do you celebrate Juneteenth? If so, what's your favorite holiday tradition?
Almost every park has a story. Visit a local park in your area and learn about it's history.
How was teamwork important in making Emancipation Park the wonderful place it is today? When have you worked with people in your community to make something better? How did that feel?
Book Details
- Author: Tonya Duncan Ellis
- Illustrator: Jenin Mohammed
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism , History , Holidays
- Character Strengths: Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Balzer + Bray
- Publication date: May 14, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 20, 2024
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