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A review by meezcarrie
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan, Keturah A. Bobo
5.0
“Freedom is for everyone. Juneteenth is YOU and ME.”
Before I get to the story of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, I absolutely have to mention how sweet the illustrations are. Adults and children alike will be drawn immediately to the endearing and beautiful artwork by Keturah A. Bobo – each scene is full of life and lots of heart. There are thoughtful details on each page that complement the text and make this a book that kiddos & those who read to them will reach for time after time.
I love that there are children’s books about Juneteenth, a pivotal day in history, because this was something I didn’t learn about until adulthood. Like, embarrassingly not that long ago. Children need to know the importance of freedom & the joy that comes with it – and they need to know history so their generation can stop repeating it. Alice Faye Duncan’s lilting writing voice is delightful, and she makes Opal Lee’s story come alive, with even adult readers feeling as though they’re gathered around Great-Grand Dear’s chair under that tree, hanging on her every word.
Bottom Line: Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free weaves one woman’s inspiring story into a larger tapestry of history, freedom, and celebration. Warmth exudes from each page, thanks to the charming illustrations and almost lyrical text, and readers will close the book smarter and full of gratitude & joy. Besides the history of Juneteenth and Opal Lee’s own true story, children (and adults) learn why this Freedom Day should matter to all of us, no matter our race or nationality or freckles (lol). Highly recommended for all readers!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Before I get to the story of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, I absolutely have to mention how sweet the illustrations are. Adults and children alike will be drawn immediately to the endearing and beautiful artwork by Keturah A. Bobo – each scene is full of life and lots of heart. There are thoughtful details on each page that complement the text and make this a book that kiddos & those who read to them will reach for time after time.
I love that there are children’s books about Juneteenth, a pivotal day in history, because this was something I didn’t learn about until adulthood. Like, embarrassingly not that long ago. Children need to know the importance of freedom & the joy that comes with it – and they need to know history so their generation can stop repeating it. Alice Faye Duncan’s lilting writing voice is delightful, and she makes Opal Lee’s story come alive, with even adult readers feeling as though they’re gathered around Great-Grand Dear’s chair under that tree, hanging on her every word.
Bottom Line: Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free weaves one woman’s inspiring story into a larger tapestry of history, freedom, and celebration. Warmth exudes from each page, thanks to the charming illustrations and almost lyrical text, and readers will close the book smarter and full of gratitude & joy. Besides the history of Juneteenth and Opal Lee’s own true story, children (and adults) learn why this Freedom Day should matter to all of us, no matter our race or nationality or freckles (lol). Highly recommended for all readers!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower