They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park

SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Honor Winner!

Debut picture book author Tonya Duncan Ellis and acclaimed artist Jenin Mohammed bring us a vibrant, moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas—and the origins of Juneteenth.

When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.

They built me to remember.

On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized ...