Stories to share with your community on Juneteenth and beyond

On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, TX, enslaved African Americans were finally informed of their freedom, despite the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior. Juneteenth is also referred to as “Freedom Day”, “Emancipation Day”, and “Juneteenth Independence Day.” The first celebrations of Juneteenth were about honoring former enslaved people. Today celebrations of Juneteenth consist of gathering with family, BBQs, parades, festivals, beauty contests, and other celebratory events to remember the lives of their enslaved ancestors.

Celebrate Juneteenth

For those who would like to learn more, we recommend reading “Juneteenth: The Growth of an African-American Holiday” and “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?”

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Graphic Novel Preview: Mind vs Machine by Steve Sheinkin and Maurice Ashley; illustrated by Thien Pham

Graphic novel preview image with headshots of steve sheinkin, maurice ashley, and thien pham, all smiling, including cover mind vs. machine

Our Graphic Novel Preview series invites readers to look inside new graphic novels! This month, we’re highlighting Mind vs. Machine: The Chess Match That Changed the World, written by Steve Sheinkin and Maurice Ashley; illustrated by Thien Pham. Mind vs. Machine is the true story of an epic chess match that changed the world. On sale 9/8/26!

Scroll to find preview spreads and request the book on Netgalley to read the full story!

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Celebrate Disability Pride Month

In July we celebrate Disability Pride Month by reading and sharing stories about the disabled community. Celebrate in your school or library by sharing the history of Disability Pride Month and by introducing readers to disabled fiction and memoir writers sharing their stories.

disability pride month graphic
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Watch our Fall 2026 School & Library Virtual Preview!

graphic with date/time of fall 2026 preview: may 6 at 2pm ET with headshots of authors Kyle Lukoff and Ayana Gray and their books covers of The Vicious Cycle and Hawk & Sparrow

Watch the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group Fall 2026 Preview Event, where we previewed upcoming picture books, middle grade, and young adult titles during this one hour Booklist webinar! Stay tuned for our live special guests! Newbery Honor-winning and National Book Award finalist author Kyle Lukoff introduced his inspiring picture book, The Vicious Cycle, and New York Times–bestselling author Ayana Gray was in conversation about Hawk & Sparrow, a Gilded Age-inspired tale of mystery, magic, and romance!

We’ll also have guest video appearances from talented creators Jason Douglas Griffin (Be the Acorn), Allie Millington (Trunk No. 3), and Josh Galarza (False Face). 

Timestamps:
3:18 – Author Kyle Lukoff of The Vicious Cycle in conversation with Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, Mark Podests
14:59 – Picture Books
26:54 – Middle Grade
41:43 – Young Adult
53:11 – Author Ayana Gray, Hawk & Sparrow, in conversation with SVP and co-publisher at Balzer+Bray, Donna Bray