The illustrations, timeline of Juneteenth and the biography of Opal Lee combine to make this an unforgettable graphic novel. I would recommend it for libraries, those who are interested in American history, women's history, Black American history and more.

After learning about this graphic novel, I searched my public library network for "Opal Lee" and all that came back were children's books. As a public librarian, I feel as if this book fills an important hole in the collection. The book is informative, well-written, with detailed and nuanced illustrations. I think the opening remark "To the reader" is a nice way to preface the story. I learned a lot and I think the story is structured in a way that balances struggle with celebration, which carried me through. Some historical nonfiction graphics can be grim, but this one feels uplifting.

What a beautiful story! I knew some of the history of Juneteenth, but not Opal Lee's part in making the holiday happen. The book did a great job of alternating between Opal Lee's childhood and more current times with the juxtaposition of how she is treated that would be shocking to many current-day readers. I think this book is a great way to show that change doesn't just happen but has to be championed by those who are persistent and dedicated and never give up, like Opal Lee. The illustrations capture the feelings and information of events and bring history to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher (and Opal Lee!) for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

First Freedom succeeds as a powerful, accessible portrait of a woman who refused to let America forget its own history. It is a graphic novel that invites reflection without losing its momentum — a fitting tribute to Opal Lee’s quiet, steady insistence that freedom must be remembered, taught, and lived.

First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is both beautifully written and richly illustrated, tracing the long arc from the Emancipation Proclamation to its long-delayed enforcement—two and a half years later—across every state. Woven through this history is the remarkable life of Opal Lee, whose own experiences move alongside the Civil Rights movement, desegregation, the election of the first African American president, and the eventual recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

The book is powerful and deeply moving, never flinching from the hard truths or the hard work. It stands as a testament to struggle, to hope, to determination, and to the unending effort required to bend the world toward justice. It invites readers not just to witness history, but to carry the work forward.

First Freedom is a biographical graphic novel that highlights the life of the grandmother of Juneteenth, Ms. Opal Lee and history of Juneteenth. Alternating between Opal Lee's childhood and present day, Tracing the long arc from the Emancipation Proclamation to its long-delayed enforcement . This is richly illustrated, deeply moving, uplifting and beautifully written. It invites readers to carry the work forward. This graphic novel is a portrait of a woman who refused to let America forget its own history. I recommend this graphic novel for people who are interested in Black American History. I enjoy the illustrations and historical information. Juneteenth is an important part of our history that shouldn't be forgotten.

A moving tribute to a woman who spent a lot of time and energy throughout her life fighting for the recognition of others through the celebration of Juneteenth.

Providing a life's overview in graphic novel biographical form, it skips around in time though it does place you in the date and location whenever the move happens to give you a dose of what Lee's early life looked like (lots of moving, discrimination, and her family's attempt at upward mobility even in the face of blatant hatred) and her perseverance in marching and talking to others about the importance of history. I do think it moved back and forth a little too much for my taste, however the breadth of Lee's life (including her own education, career, and family) are wonderfully thorough.

There are quite a few events that are referenced including the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (and the earlier, not often discussed fact about being stabbed with a letter opener at a book signing event) but also the election of the first Black president and referendums past and present.

a bright colourful bio graphic story of Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth, the path and history behind the holiday starting with her birth in 1926 we follow Opals 99 years of hard work, dedication and living what is modern history
the premise is opal speaking with a young student struggling with the concept of slavery and segregation being so recent despite depictions by media and text books
having lived through a segregated america, witnessing and experiencing first hand the dangers, opal incorporates her story in a beautiful, touching, poetically told way
timeline goes from 1860 to present, as it covers opals ancestors (grandparents and parents)
has historic facts, references, notes and so much more

This important graphic memoir for all ages tells the story of Opal Lee’s peaceful fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday. I really enjoyed learning about Opal’s family struggles, her childhood, and her early years as a student as she reached for her dreams while navigating segregation and rejection. The book highlights Opal’s extraordinary life as an educator and activist, showing her bravery, persistence, and compassion. Her 1,400-mile walk to Washington, D.C., at 90 years old was especially impressive and deeply inspiring. I felt some parts were a bit confusing, lacking seriousness or importance. For example, the part where a conversation about politics arises during a Christmas party.

In general, it’s a powerful book. Perfect for encouraging us to think about the importance of understanding historical events and holidays and remembering the people who struggled to create equal opportunities for future generations. Loved the vibrant colors and the simple execution. A must read!

First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is a graphic novel that shares the life of Opal Lee and her advocacy to making Juneteenth a national holiday. This book is written more as an overview instead of an annotated biography, making this is an approachable biography to hopefully guide further conversation and reading about Ms. Opal Lee and Juneteenth.