Robert Johnson’s Juneteenth Joy

On Juneteenth, 1937, musician Robert Johnson, "the most important blues singer that ever lived," records songs that will impact American music forever. This narrative nonfiction picture book feels like a blues song and is ideal for kids ages 7-10.

Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, young Robert Johnson dreamed of playing the blues. Living in the Jim Crow South, young Bob saw music as the ultimate escape from hardship. He learned to play the guitar and began to write his own songs. Through his songs and records, Robert captured the spirit of joy and freedom. The music he recorded in Dallas during Juneteenth 1937 is legendary. While he died very young, his music lives on. Known as the King of the Delta Blues, he inspired and influenced numerous musicians, from Chuck Berry and B. B. King to Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.

Award-winning author Alice Faye Duncan tells Robert Johnson's story in poetic vignettes accompanied by Rudy Gutierrez's swirling, colorful illustrations. This love letter to Robert Johnson feels like his blues music itself—deeply moving.