A Voice Named Aretha

Shades of purple and gold predominate in this laudatory picture book biography of the Queen of Soul. Tracing Aretha Franklin's life from her 1940s-'50s childhood in Detroit, singing as part of her pastor father C.L. Franklin's "Gospel Caravan," to performing for President Barack Obama (pictured, but not named), it covers the major moments in the life and career of this musical legend--the death of her mother, her first church solo, the years of work and performance before she had a hit, and her eventual stratospheric success. Franklin's ongoing support of civil rights is a recurring theme: "Aretha sang only where people of all races could attend" and she "performed in lots of concerts to raise money for civil rights groups." Freeman's clear, crisp illustrations add welcome vibrancy to the text's straightforward narrative style. Additional biographical information and extensive notes from the author and illustrator are included. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 1-2--Shy young Aretha Franklin found her voice singing in the choir at her father's Detroit church. An early family tragedy taught her to draw strength from her sadness and use her talent to inspire and empower those around her, like the civil rights icons of her generation. Franklin's power shines through lush illustrations in bold, royal colors. In one scene, the singer is dressed in a sunshine yellow dress. President Obama wipes away a tear as he listens to Franklin. A sense of time and place are evoked with striking choices in hair and dress, visually emphasizing her indelible place in American culture. The text effectively describes the singer's ties to the civil rights movement and spotlights her importance as an enduring symbol of hope. VERDICT This richly detailed look at the Queen of Soul is an essential biography of an American icon.--Savannah Kitchens, Parnell Memorial Library, Montevallo, AL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An excellent introduction to an American icon. - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

This richly detailed look at the Queen of Soul is an essential biography of an American icon. - School Library Journal, starred review

This beautifully illustrated look at the life of the world-renowned Queen of Soul is a sensational introduction for young readers to the artist's life and body of work. - Booklist

Hits the highlights of Franklin's life. . . . Freeman's illustrations . . . capture much of the body language, facial expression, and head-thrown-back joy associated with Franklin's performance. - BCCB

Franklin's ongoing support of civil rights is a recurring theme....Freeman's clear, crisp illustrations add welcome vibrancy to the text's straightforward narrative style. - Publishers Weekly

Russell-Brown's debut text has an innate musicality, mixing judicious use of onomatopoeia with often sonorous prose. - Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on LITTLE MELBA AND HER BIG TROMBONE

An excellent match of breezy text and dynamic illustrations tells an exhilarating story. - Starred review, School Library Journal on LITTLE MELBA AND HER BIG TROMBONE

Staccato rhythms pepper the fluid prose. - Publishers Weekly, starred review, on LITTLE MELBA AND HER BIG TROMBONE