Odetta, the Queen of Folk

This beautifully illustrated biography introduces young readers to Odetta, the iconic folk singer. It traces her life from her childhood in Birmingham, where she first discovered her musical talent, to her rise as a powerful voice in American music. The book highlights her unique ability to sing spirituals, gospels, and work songs, conveying both the struggles and triumphs of her time. With luminous paintings and a poetic narrative, it offers an inspiring look at a woman who used her art to tell stories and pave the way for future generations of musicians. Ideal for ages 4-11, it's a wonderful way to introduce children to music history and the power of finding one's voice.

She was a beautiful girl who plunged head-first into the world with a song to sing. Born in Birmingham, this child soon learned to make a whole heap of noise on her auntie's piano. Then she discovered her own instrument-a voice full of brass and thunder! And, oh, did she have a song to sing-spirituals, gospels, work songs. She sang joy. She sang sorrow and struggle. She sang triumph. Her songs told stories of America's history. And, with the help of Baby, her guitar, Odetta blazed a musical trail that served as the roadmap for many folksingers who followed in her footsteps. Presented with luminous paintings and a poetic narrative, the life and times of folk music's queen, will leave readers strumming.