Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo, releases Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 16, 2021) – Children begin forming internal biases about race as early as 3 months old, research from the American Psychological Association tells us. It is essential to give parents resources they can trust that come from people of color and present hard truths of history and the challenges still faced alongside celebrations of the progress made, depictions of black joy, and a hopeful vision for tomorrow.
Author and NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Children, Alice Faye Duncan’s upcoming picture book, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth (January 11, 2022, Thomas Nelson), celebrates the vision and tenacity of activist Opal Lee with a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.
As an educator of the Civil Rights Movement, Duncan’s writings have highlighted biographies of Black artists and moments seldom told in American History. Her picture books are known to provide context and education regarding the Black struggle for equal rights in America.
A biographical children’s book, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free features illustrations from New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I Am Enough) and tells the true story of Black activist Opal Lee’s mission to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Told through the voice of Opal Lee, young readers learn about her life as she shares past and present realities with her grandson and his friends at a Juneteenth picnic.
Growing up in Texas, Opal Lee knew the history of Juneteenth, but she discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation’s creed of “freedom for all.” Opal Lee learned from her grandfather that Juneteenth celebrated the day the news of President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and the freedom of slaves finally reached Texas in 1865, more than two years after the president had declared it.
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence Day commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement (Juneteenth.com). Duncan’s book is an educational and artistic resource explaining this holiday and Opal Lee’s experience as a child and woman.
“If we don’t keep a record of history, people will say it never happened,” said Duncan. “I wrote the Opal Lee story to help children remember America’s past, so they won’t repeat the same misdeeds.”
Opal Lee would go on to speak up for equality and unity. She became a teacher, a charity worker, and a community leader. At the age of 89, she walked from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain national recognition for Juneteenth.
Intended for children ages four to eight, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free teaches children that:
- all people are created equal
- the power of bravery and using your voice for change
- the history of Juneteenth and what it means today
- no one is free unless everyone is free
- fighting for a dream is worth every difficulty
Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth (ISBN# 9781400231256) is available for preorder wherever books are sold and releases January 11, 2022.
REVIEW COPIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Certified Teacher, who writes for young learners. Memory is her motivation. She writes to help children remember important moments from African American history. Her books are celebrated for vivid imagery and lyrical texts that sound like music. Alice’s most popular titles include A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks; Just Like a Mama; Honey Baby Sugar Child; and Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, which received a 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Medal. Alice lives in Memphis, Tennessee, where at a young age, her mother nurtured her writing talent with prayer, poetry books, and praise. Learn more at https://alicefayeduncan.com/.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Keturah A. Bobo is an artist and New York Times bestselling illustrator known for creating vibrant images that are relatable and distinguishable. She is passionate about creating art that inspires, uplifts, and advocates for her community. Keturah has received notable praises for her colorful illustrative style that brings the story to life and resonates with the viewer. She graduated with a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family of entrepreneurs. Learn more at https://www.keturahariel.com/.
About Tommy Nelson
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.
Media contact: Natividad Lewis, Publicist, 931.698.9620, natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com
