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Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free

The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth
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( 715 ratings, 150 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan is a heart-warming children's book that tells the inspiring story of Opal Lee, an important figure in the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Through her determination and perseverance, young readers learn about the significance of freedom and the power of activism, all through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this inspiring children's book if you're interested in learning about resilience and the significance of freedom through the engaging story of a key figure in the Juneteenth movement. It beautifully combines history and personal narrative, making it a valuable resource for teaching young readers about perseverance and justice.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone will inspire children to be brave and make a difference. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that most Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation’s creed of 'freedom for all.'

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 recognise and celebrate "freedom for all."

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnicβ€”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 1865β€”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 honouring 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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free is praised for being both entertaining and informative while also inspiring young readers. It features beautiful illustrations and is designed to be accessible to children, making it a valuable addition to collections focused on Black History, American Biography, and holiday themes.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781400231256

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 03 March 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Tommy Nelson

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 236.0mm

Height: 282.0mm

Weight: 489g

Pages: 32

About the Author

Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Certified Teacher, who writes for young learners. Memory is her motivation. She writes to help children remember important moments from African American history. Her books are celebrated for vivid imagery and lyrical texts that sound like music. Alice's most popular titles include A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks; Just Like a Mama; Honey Baby Sugar Child; and Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, which received a 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Medal. Alice lives in Memphis, Tennessee, where at a young age, her mother nurtured her writing talent with prayer, poetry books, and praise. Her website is www.alicefayeduncan.com. Keturah A. Bobo is an artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator known for creating vibrant images that are relatable and distinguishable. She is passionate about creating art that inspires, uplifts, and advocates for her community. Keturah has received notable praises for her colorful illustrative style that brings the story to life and resonates with the viewer. She graduated with a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family of entrepreneurs. Visit Keturah online at www.keturahariel.com.

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