Written by Floyd Cooper
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells about the celebration, Juneteenth, held each year to commemorate the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865. Mazie is frustrated because she’s always told “No” – no, she can’t stay up late, etc. Her father kindly explains how Mazie will get to celebrate the next day and proceeds to tell her about her great-great-great grandfather who experienced slavery and the word “no” a lot, but who was also a witness to the announcement the day the slaves were freed. The illustrations are wonderful and it’s a sweet story that takes you through a brief and simple explanation of slavery and a bit about its history.
Review by Jennifer Porter, Crestview Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★✩✩ (3 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Author Website: http://www.floydcooper.com/
Juneteenth for Mazie
Written by Floyd Cooper
Picture Window Books, a Capstone imprint
32 pages
Release Date: February 2, 2015
