Each page has a single word (B-L-E-S-S-E-D, S-T-R-I-F-E, etc.)- that acts as a heading for the page and is followed by rhyming couplets. The book presents snapshots of Aretha Franklin’s life - touching on her early childhood, her musical talent, and her activism in the Civil Rights Movement. This book is written beautifully and the large oil-painting illustrations are stunning.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T is written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison. For a gorgeous, inspiring look at Aretha Franklin’s journey into stardom, read R-E-S-P-E-C-T while you listen to the Queen of Soul sing.įollow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and check out our website at for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more! The rhyming lines and themed words for each page are clever and well-titled. The little details in the illustrations referencing Aretha’s most famous songs, and the imagery of her as a queen, make the book an extra special experience. Though I’m very much an amateur art critic, I knew from my first glance at the cover that Frank Morrisons’ illustrations are each a poignant work of art.

I hadn’t known that she was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, nor had I realized how connected her music and her activism were, I’m ashamed to admit. Though I had been familiar with Aretha Franklin’s musical talents before reading this book, its profound storytelling and lush illustrations inspired me to look further into her amazing accomplishments. Adorned with Frank Morrison’s rich oil paintings referencing Aretha’s life and music, this gorgeous picture book contrasts a young girl’s early days with some of her greatest achievements in an unapologetically glamorous description. At the incredible age of fourteen, Aretha recorded her first studio album, Spirituals. R-E-S-P-E-C-T takes readers through her awe-inspiring musical journey, from her childhood beginnings in gospel to performing original works for huge crowds-even in front of multiple presidents! Aretha Franklin’s talent was recognized from a young age by her father, Clarence, a preacher and gospel singer himself, as she learned to play piano by ear and sang in a church choir with her sisters.

“Aretha’s crowned as Queen of Soul, our own royalty.”Īretha Franklin is known as the Queen of Soul for her incredible musical prowess and transformation of R&B and soul music.

By and By by Carole Boston Weatherford