February is Black History Month. A great way highlight the month is to celebrate some great music.
Motown – The D – Motor City
Detroit is the home to Motown Records founded by Berry Gordy, Jr.. and without Motown, we may not have some of the most ICONIC artists of all time. These three books are a great way to feature Motown in February or any time of year.
(Full disclosure: some affiliate links but it won’t change your price. No pressure!)
1. Claudette’s Miraculous Motown Adventure
Author: A.K. Morris & Claudette Robinson
Illustrator: Pamela C. Rice
ISBN: 978-1943343034
Buy the book on Amazon
This book is about Claudette Robinson. The first female Motown artist, and member of the first act signed by Motown Records, The Miracles. Their song “Shop Around” was the first million seller for the company and Berry Gordy dubbed her “The First Lady of Motown”.
Listening: Shop Around
2. Who Is Stevie Wonder?
Author: Jim Gigliotti
Illustrator: Stephen Marchesi
ISBN: 978-0448488585
Buy the book on Amazon
Iconic. That’s who. This is an easy chapter book that could easily be broken up into read-alouds across several classes, or pick certain chapters that highlight him during different periods of his life.
Listening: Fingertips Part 2
Sir Duke
3. The Mystery at Motown
This book is more than just a little snapshot of Motown. A Mystery Girl book, this book highlights lots of places in the Motor City including the Renaissance Center (the biggest building on the skyline), the Ambassador Bridge (shared with the Canadian border), Greenfield Village, Ford, and Lafayette Coney Island (IYKYK).
This chapter book is definitely something for your classroom library, or a long-term read with a class. This book is great to highlight some of the best of Motown and Detroit.
Listening: Your FAVORITE Motown tune!!! Some of my favs that your students might love: You are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder), ABC (Jackson 5), My Girl (The Temptations), Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye), Reach Out I’ll Be There (The Four Tops)
I hope that these books help you create some AMAZING lessons!
