Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Free at Last: a Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle and Alex Bostic - ADVISABLE

Free at Last: a Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, illustrated by Alex Bostic. PICTURE BOOK. Sterling, 2022. $18. 9781454943747

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When word finally reached the saves of Galveston Texas that they had been freed by proclamation, each reacted to the news if their own way - all of them trying in some way to grasp their new status in the world.  All of them rejoicing that they are “Free at last”.

Rolle’s poem was written in 2004 and has been used in many Juneteenth celebrations since that time.  Bostic’s illustrations are infused with respect and awe for those first steps taken and are beautiful to behold. Any school with civil rights units, black studies, or American history covering the Civil War can happily use this.

Cindy Mitchell, Library Teacher, MLS


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