3 stars
A lovely picture book that goes beyond Aretha Franklin’s career as a singer and delves into her activism and faith.
Abdurraqib’s text is lyrical with some lovely images created. He focuses not just on Franklin’s most well-known song, but how it inspired others to act and its continued effect in bringing people together for a common cause.
I really enjoyed the illustration style. The perfect blend of cartoony and realistic to engage young readers. There are quite a few details about Franklin’s life worked into the illustrations that are not specifically touched on in the text. This inspirational picture book may be best paired with a more fact-based book when learning about Franklin’s life and her role in the Civil Rights Moments.