A Heartful of History

How Children's Books Bring Juneteenth to Life

What does it take to transform a complicated chapter of American history into a children's book that informs, engages, and inspires? In this episode of A Heartful of History, Selene Castrovilla welcomes award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan for a rich conversation about Juneteenth, historical storytelling, and the responsibility of bringing difficult truths to young readers with both accuracy and heart. Together, they explore the history behind Juneteenth and discuss the real people whose stories shaped their books. Alice Faye shares the creation of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, the true story of the woman known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," whose persistence helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She also offers a fascinating preview of her forthcoming book, Robert Johnson's Juneteenth Jamboree, which celebrates the joy, music, and community at the heart of the holiday. Selene discusses the research behind Twice Enslaved: Liberty & Justice for Henrietta Wood, the remarkable true story of a woman who was kidnapped back into slavery after gaining her freedom—and who, along with her son, was ultimately liberated on Juneteenth. Through Henrietta's extraordinary journey, young readers encounter not just a historical event, but a human face of Juneteenth and its enduring meaning. The conversation also explores Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America, which tells the story of the freedom seekers and pivotal events that helped launch the chain of events leading to the Emancipation Proclamation and, ultimately, Juneteenth itself. Alice Faye also discusses her poignant picture book Memphis, Martin and the Mountaintop, sharing the creative and ethical challenges of writing about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination for young readers. How do authors tell difficult truths without overwhelming children? How do they honor history while remaining developmentally appropriate? Their conversation offers a fascinating look at the decisions historical authors must make when writing about tragedy, injustice, and hope. Along the way, the authors discuss primary-source research, archival discoveries, the role of empathy in historical storytelling, and why children's literature can illuminate aspects of history often absent from traditional textbooks. They explore how books help young readers connect emotionally with the past and why that emotional connection is often the key to understanding history itself. Whether you're an educator, librarian, parent, writer, illustrator, or history enthusiast, this thoughtful conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of historical storytelling—and a reminder that the stories we choose to tell children help shape how they understand both the past and the world around them.

Twice Enslaved: A Black History Book for Middle School

This episode introduces listeners to Henrietta Wood, a woman who was enslaved twice and later secured the largest reparations award in U.S. history. Essential for Black History Month and Juneteenth, this conversation affirms that middle school readers deserve the full truth about American history. In this powerful conversation, author Selene Castrovilla and illustrator Erin Robinson discuss the making of Twice Enslaved: Liberty and Justice for Henrietta Wood, their nonfiction book for middle school readers that tells the extraordinary true story of Henrietta Wood—a woman born into slavery, freed, kidnapped back into bondage, and ultimately won a landmark court case against the man who abducted her. Largely unknown until recent historical research brought her story to light, Henrietta Wood’s life challenges the way we teach slavery, freedom, and justice. This episode explores how her story moved from archival obscurity to the page, and why it matters now more than ever. Selene shares how the writing process unfolded over more than two years, including the decision to write in free verse and the emotional weight of shaping a narrative centered on injustice and resilience. Erin Robinson discusses the year-long illustration process and the responsibility of visually representing heavy historical truths for young readers with honesty and care. Listeners will hear how the metaphor of the Ohio River became a structural and emotional current in the book—symbolizing both division and possibility—and how the pandemic period unexpectedly fueled the urgency to tell stories that had been silenced. This episode examines: – Henrietta Wood’s life and legal fight for justice – The creative and ethical challenges of writing children’s history books about slavery – The role of art in navigating trauma and hope – Why Twice Enslaved belongs in every middle grade classroom – How storytelling fosters empathy, historical accuracy, and resilience For educators building Black History Month curricula, for families discussing Juneteenth, and for writers interested in the craft of historical nonfiction, this episode offers insight into how research, storytelling, and illustration work together to transform overlooked history into literature that informs and endures. Because some stories were buried. And some are powerful enough to reshape how the next generation understands justice.

How A Black Unsung Hero Helped End Slavery in America

In this conversation, Selene Castrovilla and E.B. Lewis discuss their collaborative book 'Seeking Freedom,' which explores the untold story of Fortress Monroe and the ending of slavery in America. Seeking Freedom chronicles a pivotal, little-known Civil War event. It details how George Scott, an enslaved man, and General Benjamin Butler at Fortress Monroe in 1861 created the "contraband of war" policy, which saved escapees and accelerated the end of slavery. This story is a must-read for Black History and Social Justice curricula. It serves as a prime example of hidden American history, which has been pushed aside and whitewashed. Key details about this book include: * Historical Significance: The story focuses on May 1861, when Virginia seceded, and enslaved men sought refuge at Union-held Fortress Monroe to avoid being sent further South. * "Contraband of War": General Butler refused to return the escaped men, labeling them "contraband of war," which protected them and provided the Union with vital intelligence, in part thanks to George Scott's help. * Impact on Abolition: This, along with the influx of other "contrabands," pressured President Lincoln to move toward the Emancipation Proclamation. * Target Audience: The book is a non-fiction picture book, recommended for ages 7–10, highlighting a Black unsung hero in American history.  Selene and E.B. delve into the emotional and artistic processes behind creating children's literature that honors unsung heroes and challenges historical narratives. The discussion emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, cultural understanding, and the role of books in empowering children and shaping their perspectives on history and humanity. In this conversation, E. B. Lewis and Selene Castrovilla explore the profound role of artists in society, emphasizing their ability to document and share experiences that provoke thought and inspire change. They discuss the importance of awakening through literature, the influence of teachers on students, and the necessity of critical thinking in education. The dialogue also touches on the significance of truth, empathy, and understanding historical contexts, highlighting how these elements shape our perception of humanity and the world around us. Ultimately, they advocate for embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and recognizing the interconnectedness of all experiences in the journey of life. Takeaways E.B. Lewis emphasizes the need for emotional connection in storytelling. The importance of honoring unsung heroes in history is highlighted. Critical thinking is essential in education to challenge historical narratives. Books can empower children and provide them with knowledge. Art and literature can serve as tools for social change. The conversation stresses the significance of cultural understanding and respect. Children should be exposed to diverse stories to foster empathy. The role of authors and illustrators is to bring important stories to light. Access to literature is crucial for children's development. The best gift a parent can give a child is the ability to think independently. Artists document and share experiences that provoke thought. The legacy of artists is to leave something behind for others. Literature serves as a tool for awakening and understanding. Teachers have a profound impact on students' lives. Embracing mistakes is essential for growth and learning. Truth is a powerful tool in education and society. Understanding history requires critical thinking and context. Empathy is crucial in art and human connection. Conflict is necessary for growth and understanding. We are all part of a larger timeline of humanity.

Washington & Lafayette: Selfless Revolutionaries

Today I go solo, discussing the two selfless men in my nonfiction history picture book Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. What can we learn about humanity and ourselves from these men without whom America wouldn't exist? How can we use history to effectively shape our youngest citizens to be empathetic and helps others?

Unique George Washington: A Chat with Sarah Albee

We're celebrating President's Day with a look at two unexpected looks at George Washington in nonfiction picture books: The Painter and the President: Gilbert Stuart's Brush with George Washington by Sarah Albee and George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles: The Glasses That Saved America by Selene Castrovilla. In this lively and inspiring episode, Selene chats with her guest, the awesome Sarah Albee, about: how and why she wrote her book the brilliant illustrations by Stacy Innerst how art and words merge together the thrill of of the writing chase the research process and the importance of consulting experts and more! The two authors exchange thoughts on each others' books and why fresh, human takes on Americans like George Washington are so necessary for young readers to embrace American history and connect with it. They also reflect on important people in history that most of us may not fully recognize, like Gilbert Stuart. We see his portrait of George Washington on our dollars--it's time to remember the artist who created that iconic image. #georgewashington #presidentsday #kidlit