Juneteenth Jamboree

September 4, 1995
Starring a likable girl named Cassandra, Weatherford's debut introduces readers to Juneteenth, which commemorates the events of June 19, 1865. On that day Texas slaves learned about their emancipation-an astonishing two and a half years after Lincoln signed the proclamation. Cassandra, newly moved to Texas, doesn't know about the holiday-her parents and other relatives are cooking, dancing and dressing up a storm, all the while telling her to expect a surprise (the only hint is that it's a Texas tradition). She is duly astonished by the rousing Juneteenth celebration, with its shows, parade, crafts and cheerful spectators. Although wordy, the enthusiastic text allows readers to discover-and celebrate-the holiday along with Cassandra. But the larger treat is newcomer Buchanan's loose pen-and-ink and watercolor art. Festive and full of mirth, her fluid, motion-packed lines put a visible spring in her characters' steps, and her palette is as summery as lemonade and blue skies. Ages 4-8.

January 1, 1996
Gr 2-4-Cassandra's family has moved to her parents' hometown in Texas, but she misses her friends and does not feel quite at home. All that changes when she and her brother are surprised by and then experience their first Juneteenth celebration, an event held each year to commemorate the day Texas slaves heard that they had been freed by Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Weatherford does an excellent job of explaining what this holiday is, and what it means to African Americans. Buchanan's pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations add a joyous and celebratory touch, showing all of the dances, parades, balloons, crowds, and other festivities that mark the day. Juneteenth Jamboree represents a wonderful way to introduce this unique holiday (it was made a legal holiday in Texas in 1980).-Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ