They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park by Jenin Mohammed, Tonya Duncan Ellis
Published by Balzer&Bray on May 14, 2024
ISBN: 006328605X
Pages: 32
Genres: Cultural / African American
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Tonya Duncan Ellis celebrates the oldest green space in Texas, Emancipation Park from the perspective of the park itself in this, her first picture book.The story shows the reader how and why the park was created and used over the years through sparse verse and bright, vivid illustrations. This book is in words, theme, and illustration a celebration.

The book includes backmatter explaining in more detail the creation of the park, its uses historically, its revitalization, and its current uses. The story and included backmatter provide a joyous look at the park and its endurance over time.

Ages 4-10

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.