Description:
A luminous picture book that celebrates little-known American legacy, familial love, tradition, and the cherished ancestors who paved the way.
Tonight is a big night. It's Watch Night! This year, Eve-Lynn gets to lead the celebration just like her ancestor Lil' Eve did on December 31, 1862--the night they called their Freedom's Eve. And while Eve-Lynn is excited, worry wraps 'round her. Eve-Lynn holds her family quilt close to calm her nerves, but in a moment of jittery anticipation, she rips the beloved fabric made by her ancestor. With the help of her Gramsy, Eve-Lynn stitches the quilt back together, leaving a piece of herself within its patchwork--making for a Watch Night she'll never forget.Brief description: Pamela Courtney combined her love for writing, teaching, and music--creating MyLMNOP, a literacy and music program for early learners. She is the author of A Season for Fishin' A Fish Fry Tradition. Pamela lives in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she enjoys cooking unique, pepper-hot Louisiana fare for her nieces and nephews.
Review Quotes:
"The big feelings reflected in the faces of the dark-skinned young narrator and those around her in Morris' painted-tissue illustrations really ramp up the emotion as a community gathers to celebrate the vigil that many of their Black ancestors kept." --Booklist, starred review
"A meaningful and accessible introduction to a chapter of history that many may be unaware of, connecting readers to the past in a moving and unforgettable way... a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant window into the past." --Kirkus "This picture book could serve to expand a Juneteenth celebration to feature a lesser-known holiday." --BCCB