Aretha Franklin

School Library Journal

Gr 6 UpSheafer offers an acceptable title that describes in a clear, though sometimes adulatory, style the career development of one of America's leading female vocalists. Unfortunately, this was done just a year ago in Leslie Gourse's Aretha Franklin (Watts, 1995). Sheafer chronicles Franklin's background and career, interspersing her text with quotes from experts and reputable reviews. Though accompanied by an extensive discography, chronology, and index, this most recent offering does not present any new information. Gourse's book covers the same material with greater insight into Aretha Franklin, the person. Similar quotes and photos are found in both books. The earlier title is a better choice.Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ