Juneteenth is a combination of June and Nineteenth together. This is when the Union Army came to Texas to give the good news to the slaves that they were finally free at last! Cassandra is just a little girl at the time and does not know why parents were are acting so weird on this day. She keeps asking and all they tell her is that it's a surprise. Cassie and her brother Kufi were so anxious to see what the surprise was! When they got to the Jamboree, their parents told them that this was the day that slaves were finally free. They had just moved to Texas so they both have never been to the Jamboree before and never knew anything about it. Cassie was having a hard time feeling at home, but the Jamboree changed that feeling for her. At the Jamboree they made corn-husk dolls, wrote a letter in a balloon, watched dancers on the stage, and watched the band march down the street. It was a very fun filled day with her family for Cassie. I think that after this day Cassie finally felt like Texas was her home and she was happy. Although Cassie was never a slave herself, she learned about that part of history from the Jamboree, and her family. I think that this is a really good book to read in a history lesson to students. There is more that can be taught in this book besides slavery, the Jamboree (which is legal holiday in Texas), and The Emancipation Proclamation that Lincoln signed in 1863. ( )

Cassandra is new to the state of Texas in a new home, new school, and new people her around her. However, she is quickly reunited with familiar faces as she meets family at the "Juneteenth Jamboree" which is a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 when the slaves were freed. Cassandra learns about the history of this event, and they release balloons to celebrate and symbolize the freedom of the slaves as well as their freedom. The illustrations in this book are very creative and vibrant; the scene of the balloons being released have faces of slaves and workers in the field which is a powerful symbol of them being set free. Overall, a good read which students can learn from; a lesson about the Emancipation Proclamation can be associated with this book. ( )

Juneteenth Jamboree tells the story of young Cassandra who was surprised by her parents with a huge festival in town. The illustrator of this book used panting that almost resembled cartoon characters or drawings. Also, at the bottom of every page was an illustration of what the subject of the page was which I thought was a great addition to the already colorful pages! ( )

I was informed greatly of what the Juneteenth holiday celebrates, I have heard of it but never heard what it meant. The Texas slaves were freed after the emancipation proclamation, many say the masters kept it secret to receive another season of harvest from the slaves before setting them free. Some say the mule was just slow in relaying the message. This joy of freedom was spread through the reunion of family and friends and the opportunity to be individuals who follow their dreams. June 19, 1865- 19 days after the legal signature of Abraham Lincoln this celebration is for this day. African skirts and drums were used to rejoice families. Food and conversation gave a sense of unity and community to this book. The balloons being set free and the language during this section of plot symbolized to me the freedom of African Americans. This book was great because although informative it was still interesting being told the story from Cassandra's viewpoint and curiosity of a child. ( )

This modern day fictional story explains the yearly Texan celebration of Juneteenth. Cassandra is surprised by the food, clothing, and dancing but doesn’t understand what the celebration is all about until her aunt explains that the slaves in Texas weren’t freed until two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. ( )