"Dear Emily Rose,
I am writing to you, the only daughter of the only daughter of my only daughter, Emily, to invite you to be my special guest at the Freedomtown Juneteenth Diamond Jubilee, sponsored by the African American churches of Dillon, Texas, on Wednesday, the 19th of June, 1996."
Emily Rose is thirteen and has just received an invitation from her great-grandmother Rose Lee Jefferson to visit her in Texas for the Juneteenth celebration. Emily lives in Connecticut and she has never met her great-grandmother. She has also never visited the south. Emily is a "double." She is the daughter of an African-American mother and French-American father. Her life is carefree in Connecticut at her private school with her friends who also happen to be "doubles." A summer trip to Texas along with her mother and two brothers proves to be full of history and personal lessons for little Emily to uncover!
Meyers brilliantly presents a novel rich with Texas history. In addition, the author focuses on significant issues such as self-acceptance and racism in a manner that does not overwhelm the storyline. The characters in Jubilee Journey have realistic struggles. Youth can easily connect with the believable characters. Meyer gives great attention to detail providing unique accounts of the celebrated Texas holiday of Juneteenth. The themes of self-acceptance and self-love will be thoroughly embraced by young readers!
