R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Weatherford, C. B., & Morrison, F. (2020). RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul

(Illustrated ed.). Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

This book is a biography about the life and accomplishments of Aretha Franklin. Aretha was an activist that raised her voice to increase awareness against injustice and advocate for civil rights.

Weatherford and Morrision incorporated text and visuals that work in unison to create a successful authoritative and rhythmic picture book biography. With vivid illustrations that captivate young readers’ attention, they are exposed to Aretha’s inspiring life. Weatherford incorporated vivid imagery that allows the reader to walk along Aretha as she discovers her identity and place in this world. Additionally, this book introduces important topics such as our nation’s racial history, activism, racism, segregation, and civil rights. This is a great resource to use for cultural awareness and Black History Month.

Similar books:

• A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown (Author), Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

• Who is Stevie Wonder? by Jim Gigliotti (Author), Who HQ (Author), Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator)

• The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez (Author), Lauren Semmer (Illustrator)

From the same author:

• Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You

• The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights

• Becoming Billie Holiday

Book trailer:

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award