Alice Faye Duncan – författare

Booklist starred reviewBlack activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln'' Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person's voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.Children ages 4 to 8 will read about:An Inspiring True Story: Learn from Opal Lee's determination and persistence, and how they can stand up and make change happen.Historical Significance: Teaches children about Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Texas, over two years late, and what it means today.Lessons in Courage and Bravery: Highlighting Opal's ability to overcome her fear, even after her family's home was burned down, showing how one voice can spark change.Empowering Themes of Equality: Showing children that all people are created equal and that no one is free unless everyone is free.Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

Booklist starred review

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak''s stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln''s Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn''t always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn''t freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.

Through the story of Opal Lee''s determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:

all people are created equalthe power of bravery and using your voice for changethe history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means todayno one is free unless everyone is freefighting for a dream is worth the difficulty experienced along the way

Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

Find daily inspiration to kindle your faith, walk in God’s light, and flourish in joyful generosity. When your days feel dark with stress, struggles, or grief, God’s light breaks through, offering hope right where you are. Called to Rise, Created to Shine is a 50-day devotional designed to help you pursue a radiant life filled with peace, purpose, and perseverance even in dark moments. Through Scripture, stories of faith, and simple acts of kindness, you’ll be encouraged to rise up and shine God’s light.With lyrical grace and wisdom, award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan reveals that the all-powerful presence of God is unchanging and present at every turn. These devotions invite you to step into the light of God’s love and allow your thoughts, words, and deeds to be transformed by it. Each entry offers the following:An Inspiring Scripture: Bible verses to anchor your heart in God’s WordA Short Devotion: Soulful reflections on biblical and historical figures who inspire faithAn Example of Faith in Action: Real stories of courage and Christ-centered livingReflection Questions: Thoughtful prompts to examine and deepen your faithA Daily Challenge to Give: Simple acts of kindness that bless others and reap joyA Prayer Prompt: Spirit-led prayers to guide your conversations with GodPerfect for busy Christians, women and men of faith, and anyone seeking spiritual encouragement, these devotions fit seamlessly into your day—offering inspiration, guidance, and actionable steps in just a few minutes.As you journey through these 50 devotions, you are invited to experience:Hope, peace, and confidence in God’s promisesGuiding light for your daily walkVictory over discouragement and doubtRelationships and interactions transformed by compassion Jesus called you the light of the world! Let your journey begin. Rise and be a shining reflection of God’s love. One act of kindness can start a movement of generosity and fill your world with light.

With a voice both wise and witty, Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, reading and writing constantly from a young age, her talent lovingly nurtured by her parents. Brooks ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel, and was the first black author to win the Pulitzer Prize. Alice Faye Duncan has created her own song to celebrate Gwendolyn’s life and work, illuminating the tireless struggle of revision and the sweet reward of success.