A single word introduces the rhyming couplet on each page of this notable singer, musician, and activist's biography. " M-U-S-I-C: Hand-clapping gospel-The Franklins' pedigree. / Parents, children praise the Lord in stirring harmony." Born into a musical family, Aretha made her first gospel album at the age of 14, later expanding into rhythm and blues. As a voice of the civil rights movement, she worked to raise funds and performed at political events, and decades later sang at President Obama's inauguration. Generously-sized pages and oil paint illustrations honor the immense talent and success of the Queen of Soul, while an author's note fills in details of her life and includes a list of Aretha Franklin's greatest hits. (Ages 5-9)

From a creative team with multiple Caldecott Honors comes this vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin that pays her the R-E-S-P-E-C-T this Queen of Soul deserves.

Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father’s Detroit church where her soaring voice spanned more than three octaves.

Her string of hit songs earned her the title “the Queen of Soul,” multiple Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Aretha didn’t just raise her voice in song, she also spoke out against injustice and fought for civil rights.

This authoritative, rhythmic picture book biography will captivate young readers with Aretha’s inspiring story.