So Many Years: A Juneteenth Story – A Radiant Picture Book about Black Resilience and Joy for kids (Ages 4-8) by Anne Wynter, Jerome Pumphrey
Published by HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks ISBN: 0063081148
Genres: Cultural / African American, History, Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

A masterful picture book celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Anne Wynter and Jerome Pumphrey together have created a joyful celebration of a book that explains why Juneteenth is so important, for everyone, but especially Black Americans.

“How would you dress after so many years of mending your clothes with rags? 

How would you sing after so many years of writing in code? 

How would you eat after so many years of making your meals from scraps?”

There are not many lines in this book, but they are stunningly poetic and powerful. The colors of the acrylic paint brushstrokes are bright and celebratory. The pages do not shy away from the history of enslavement, however they are not too harsh for young readers. A must buy for picture book collections. Ages 4-8.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath