This year will mark the 150th anniversary of that auspicious day. His picture book about June 19, or Juneteenth, will encourage a new generation of children to celebrate, ask questions and remember. Floyd Cooper’s Juneteenth for Mazie beautifully illustrates and celebrates a memorable day in American history.Now it’s Mazie’s turn to celebrate who she is and to remember the accomplishments of her ancestors. Each generation carries that dream to improve their lives. Mazie learns from her father that many African-Americans struggle to stand as equals with white people. After freedom arrives, Grandpa Mose and many others continue to work and are paid, but equality is still a long way off. “We will celebrate the day your great-great-great-grandpa Mose, crossed into liberty.” Grandpa Mose works hard in the cotton fields along with many slaves in Galveston, Texas, until that joyful day in 1865, when word of their emancipation finally reaches the slaves. Her father tells her about a big celebration she will attend the next day - Juneteenth. Synopsis: Mazie is restless because it’s bedtime and she can’t go where she wants, have what she wants or do what she wants. Opening: Mazie wants to play outside, but it is too late. Themes: Juneteenth, Celebrating freedom from slavery, Passing down family history Capstone for Young Readers, Fiction, Jan.1, 2015
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