For National Poetry Month, who better to feature than the marvelous, lyrical picture book author, Carole Boston Weatherford, writing about a woman whose songs are a perfect mix of poetry and heart, Aretha Franklin.
Each couplet in this book is a poem that moves the story forward.
B-L-E-S-S-E-D
Cradled by the church, rocked by an ebony sea,
Aretha says a little prayer each night on bended knee.
We follow Aretha from her days playing with her siblings, praying, singing together, and then performing solo. And we also see that things weren’t perfect, that her father wasn’t faithful, and that her mother left him with the kids. This painful truth is treated in a sensitive, yet straight forward way.
We also see that her father was a complicated man, that he’s not defined solely by that moment, that he was a preacher and also fought for civil rights. I appreciate the choice to show these additional aspects of his character, so we can see that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It’s not surprising when Aretha’s first album is gospel. And it’s also not surprising when she gives free concerts during the civil rights movement.
I love this spread created by Frank Morrison. It shows her strong spirit, the light that shone from her heart, and her presence as a source of inspiration.
This is a beautiful book about a humble woman who achieved so much, inspired many, and finally sang at the inauguration of the first Black president of the United States, a thrilling moment in history.
Activities:
Listen to Aretha Franklin sing A Change Is Gonna Come.
Write an acrostic poem, using the word R-E-S-P-E-C-T as the beginning letters, and having the poem reflect the meaning of the word.
Pair this book with Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song by Andrea Davis Pinkney. How are the two books similar? How are they different?
Title: R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2020
Ages: K-3rd grade
Themes: biography, music, Black women in history, inspiration
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
I’m really looking forward to seeing this book!
It’s a keeper!
This book looks like perfection. It is so poetic and I love the opening lines you shared — enough to tease me to pick up a copy! I didn’t know about her activism. Gorgeous cover and illustrations Thanks for sharing!.
Yes, it’s quite the satisfying read!
This sounds like a wonderful book. I love your activity. Acrostic poems are fun and much more challenging that we realize.
Thank you! They are challenging, and a great way to stretch your creative muscles! Especially during National Poetry Month,
This book looks amazing!! I got to see her in concert a few times and she takes your breath away.
How fortunate you were to see her in person! I think you’ll enjoy this book!
Before Covid, I went to do many concerts! I lived walking distance from Ravinia in Highland Park, IL and sometimes just walked over with my pup to listen from the neighborhood.
Oh wow! Carole is the Queen herself! You can trust her to handle the toughest topics so superbly. Thanks for this great review Jilanne! I have to read this book. Nice pairing suggestion too!
Thanks, Lindsey! CBW is the queen of lyrical books, isn’t she? I think you’ll enjoy the book!
Beautiful text, font choice, capitals, title, illustrations. So much perfection in all these details.
You’re right, Joanna. So much care taken with all of the details that make a book visually appealing—in addition to those lovely words.
I am excited to find this one. Thanks for a great review, Jilanne.
Thanks, Maria! I think you’ll enjoy it!
I know I will LOVE this book. R-E-S-P-E-C-T was the mantra we all sang (that and “I will survive”…) I can hear Aretha’s voice in my head.
So true. All I have to do is hear the word, and Aretha’s voice starts singing.