Bolden, Tonya. Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!: Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock & Roll. R. Gregory Christie, Illus. Harper, 02/2023. 40pp. Biography. GRADES Preschool – 3. $18.99. 978-0-06-299438-7. OUTSTANDING.
Wow! This book is a delight to read from beginning to end. The lively text filled with playful alliteration, repetition, and vibrant musicality paired with Christie’s amazing artwork carry the reader into the pure joy and vibrancy that was the essence of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Ms. Tharpe was an African American guitarist and singer who is now credited with giving birth to the musical style known as rock and roll. Her musical ability, superb guitar playing, and stage antics influenced artists such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley. Despite this legacy she was nearly erased from musical history until there was a resurgence of her music and story in the 2000s, which led to her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, more than forty years after her death. This picture book biography walks through highlights of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s life and includes substantial back matter with a timeline, author’s note, and sources.
Rachael Reiley— Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District