All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
What’s inside...
Experience the joy of Juneteenth in this celebration of freedom from the award-winning team of Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis. Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms. Told in Angela Johnson’s signature melodic style and brought to life by E.B. Lewis’s striking paintings, All Different Now is a joyous portrait of the dawn breaking on the darkest time in our nation’s history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the people felt when they found out they were free?
Why is it important to remember and celebrate Juneteenth?
What are some ways we can celebrate freedom in our lives today?
How can we help others feel free and respected?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a calm and open atmosphere before starting the conversation, letting your child know that their thoughts and feelings are valued.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Use the illustrations in the book to guide the discussion, pointing out expressions of joy, relief, and hope as starting points for conversation.
Relate the themes of the book to current events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The significance of freedom
Explanation: The story illustrates the joy and relief experienced by enslaved people upon learning about their liberation, depicting it as a transformational moment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their freedom and rights, and recognize the importance of fighting against any form of oppression and inequality in society.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book demonstrate strength and endurance during difficult times, which is celebratory on the day of their emancipation.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to remain hopeful and resilient when they face challenges, reinforcing the idea that positive change is possible with perseverance.
Example Lesson: The power of community
Explanation: The book highlights how the news of freedom was celebrated collectively, showing the strength found in communal support and unity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of community involvement and supporting each other to create a compassionate and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of history
Explanation: Through its narrative about Juneteenth, the book educates young readers about a pivotal moment in American history.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take an interest in history and understand its impacts on present conditions, promoting a deeper appreciation for the past and its ongoing influence.