Message Regarding Our COVID-19 Policies

Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center is committed to being a safe, helpful, and trustworthy resource, available to everyone who needs our services and support. Due to COVID-19, we are observing federal and local government public health protection guidelines. Upon arrival, visitors will complete a COVID-19 screening (questions and temperature check) and may be asked to wear a mask. If you have recently had COVID-19, you must wear a mask on the premises for the full 10 days from the date of exposure or infection, consistent with DC Health Department and CDC guidance.

To report suspected child abuse in the District of Columbia call 1-202-671-SAFE(7233)
To report suspected internet crimes against children, contact report.cybertip.org

Safe Shores

To report suspected child abuse / Para reportar sospechas de abuso:

1-202-671-SAFE (7233)

Children’s Books to Read About Juneteenth

Two shelves full of children's picture books about Juneteenth

Today is Juneteenth! Use these five picture books to teach children about the day that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. These books tell the history, traditions, and celebrations of Juneteenth. Even though Juneteenth became a federal holiday just last year, June 19th has been held as a day of honor and celebration since 1865. Let’s teach children ALL of America’s history.

Scroll down for read alouds of each book, including some with the authors themselves.Book recommendations were created through lists by DC Public Library, Colours of Us, and Feminist Books for Kids.

Books and Donating to Safe Shores

We always share books to read because at Safe Shores we know reading is FUNdamental to helping us learn, grow, and heal. That’s why every child who comes to Safe Shores gets to select an age-appropriate book from our Safe Shores Library shelves. You can help Safe Shores fill our shelves by donating a book we need on our Amazon Wish List. 

You can purchase the books about Juneteenth below for your own library using the “purchase” links below. You’ll be directed to Amazon Smile. Be sure to set your charitable organization to “Safe Shores – The DC Children’s Advocacy Center” and Amazon will donate .5% of your purchase directly to us. Amazon Smile is a great way to donate while shopping.

 

Juneteenth – A Children’s Story

WRITTEN BY: Opal Lee   |   ILLUSTRATED BY: Peter Viska

A children's book on a shelf with cartoon children surrounding a cartoon version of Opal Lee, reading from a miniature version of the same book. The title is Juneteenth - A Children's Story, written by Opal Lee and illustrated by Peter Viska.

Watch the story about Opal Lee re-releasing her book about Juneteenth below, and click here to read more about her journey to teach children and adults alike about Juneteenth and make it a national holiday. Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” Opal Lee calls herself “a little old lady in tennis shoes getting in everybody’s business.”

Purchase Juneteenth – A Children’s Story here.

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth

WRITTEN BY: Alice Faye Duncan   |   ILLUSTRATED BY: Keturah A. Bobo

A beautifully illustrated yellow and purple children's book on a shelf. The book features a young Opal Lee looking skywards, with a silhouette of an older Opal Lee looking skyward, but in the opposite direction. The title is Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth.

Learn more about the life of the grandmother of Juneteenth herself, Opal Lee, in this read aloud of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth.

Purchase Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth here.

 Juneteenth

WRITTEN BY: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Drew Nelson   |   ILLUSTRATED BY: Mark Schroder

A children's book on a shelf titled

Purchase Juneteenth here.

Juneteenth Jamboree

WRITTEN BY: Carole Boston Weatherford   |   ILLUSTRATED BY: Yvonne Buchanan

A children's book on a shelf, featuring an illustration of a Black family in a town square and park looking up at Juneteenth balloons, floating into the sky.

Author Carole Boston Weatherford reads the book aloud in this video below. She also talks about why she chose to write Juneteenth Jamboree and other books about slavery, her history and enslaved ancestors, and about Juneteenth. The read aloud of the book itself begins around 4:30.

Purchase Juneteenth Jamboree here.

 

Juneteenth for Mazie

WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY: Floyd Cooper

A children's book with an illustration of Mazie, a young Black girl who is raising her hands in dance at a Juneteenth celebration. She's wearing a butterfly shirt and a bright smile.

 

Purchase Juneteenth for Mazie here.