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(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Frank Morrison.
This impressionistic picture-book biography of Aretha Franklin (1942–2018) consists of a series of rhyming couplets following the iconic singer through her life. Weatherford employs a clever and resonant device: each poem has a one-word title that is spelled out just as it is in Franklin's most famous song, "Respect." So, "B-L-E-S-S-E-D" introduces a very young Aretha, the pastor's daughter, as she "says a little prayer each night"; "D-E-B-U-T" sees the fourteen-year-old cutting her first gospel album; "G-R-O-O-V-E" shows her "rocking R&B"; "P-R-O-U-D" finds her singing at President Barack Obama's inauguration. Naturally, the book culminates in a poem titled "R-E-S-P-E-C-T": "The Queen of Soul blessed us with a golden legacy. / But she would probably call it, 'the gift that God gave me...'" The book's trim size is roughly that of a record album, and illustrator Morrison takes full advantage of its expanse. Rich oil paintings place the singer in a variety of venues, from recording studio to civil rights protest to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The arresting title page, referencing the song "Freeway of Love," shows a pink Cadillac about to drop the pedal and go, go, go. Appended with an author's note giving specifics about Franklin's life and with a discography of her biggest hits.
32 pp.
| Smart Apple
| August, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59920-966-1$28.50
(4)
4-6
Pop Histories series.
The energetic graphics and raucous colors of these overviews are suitable for their subjects; overall the books will appeal to readers familiar with the genres, but the busy design and jumpy prose (with occasionally sloppy editing) make linear comprehension difficult. Dramatic photos, captions, quotations, and playlist suggestions abound in these compendiums of trends, performers, and producers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pop Histories titles: The Story of Hip-hop, The Story of Pop Music, The Story of Punk and Indie, The Story of Rock Music, The Story of Soul and R&B, and The Story of Techno and Dance Music.
112 pp.
| Twenty-First Century
| April, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4677-0808-1$34.60
(4)
YA
USA Today Lifeline Biographies series.
Doeden traces Malcolm's early life, prison years, conversion to the Nation of Islam, and rise to prominence, providing historical context for the discussion. Some over-generalizations (e.g., "the civil rights movement was a success") are misleading, and Malcolm's influential Autobiography is hardly mentioned. The narrative is supported by lots of photographs and text boxes. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.
128 pp.
| Morgan
| May, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59935-374-6$28.95
(4)
YA
Modern Music Masters series.
These biographies exemplify the diversity and genius of recent American music icons. Brown's compelling story is set in the context of 1960s civil rights struggles and the Vietnam War, while Bernstein's chronicles the development of his whole-body conducting style and rise to international fame amid equally illustrious influences. The books' design, which includes many black-and-white photos, is drab. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Modern Music Masters titles: Proud and Leonard Berstein and American Music.
112 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-616-9$23.95
(4)
YA
Contemporary Lives series.
Each of these shallow volumes traces its subject from childhood along his or her path to music stardom. The tone is mostly adulatory, with a few references to the subjects' missteps, such as Beyoncé's public falling-out with Destiny's Child. Heavily illustrated with stock photographs, each book also includes numerous sidebars about its subject's personal life, fashion choices, collaborations, and more. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Contemporary Lives titles: Beyoncé, Drake, Adele, and Cee Lo Green.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-747-0$19.95
(4)
K-3
Big Buddy Biographies series.
Each subject's rise to fame is chronicled in a very basic profile, which offers biographical information about place of birth, family, and notable roles/performances. The content-light texts are easy to read and should appeal to new and reluctant readers. There are many promotional-looking photos, adding to the books' teen-magazine appearance. Glos., ind. Review covers these Big Buddy Biographies titles: Liam Hemsworth, Adele, and Victoria Justice.
112 pp.
| Enslow
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59845-140-5$31.93
(4)
4-6
African-American Collective Biographies series.
These volumes profile eminent African American figures from various cultural fields. Each icon has his or her own chapter offering basic biographical information, archival photographs (some appear doctored), career highlights, and a timeline. This series is suitable for introductions but not in-depth research. Readers may be distracted by a hodgepodge of graphics and borders. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these African-American Collective Biographies titles: Awesome African-American Rock and Soul Musicians, Incredible African-American Jazz Musicians, Inspring African-American Civil Rights Leaders, Celebrated African-American Novelists, Extraordinary African-American Poets, and Amazing African-American Actors.
64 pp.
| Twenty-First Century
| November, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7613-4501-5$30.60
(3)
YA
American Music Milestones series.
These well-researched, comprehensive chronologies of modern American musical genres are presented on jazzy magazine-style layouts with eye-catching vintage and contemporary photos. Descriptions of specific transformative moments and key musicians are smoothly worked into the engagingly written narratives. Sections highlighting periods and subgenres include "must download playlists"; longer lists of recommended albums and songs are appended. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these American Music Milestones titles: American Latin Music, American Rock, American Pop, American R&B, American Country, and American Hip-Hop.