We Are the Supremes (Friends Change the World)

by Zoë Tucker (Author) Salini Perera (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

This inspiring picture book tells the story of the friendship between Flo, Mary, and Diana, and how by supporting each other they overcame hardship to become international superstars.

It's 1960, and Flo, Mary, and Diana are three friends with big ambitions. They want to be superstars! But 1960s America was not the easiest place for young black girls from the projects to make it big. They audition for the new Motown Records label, but the manager says NO. Not to be put off, the girls try again, and this time, they succeed. They become...The Supremes!

They travel the world, singing hit after hit. Of course they have falling outs, like all friends do, but with a shared dream to keep their friendship strong, they became the USA's most successful vocal group ever.

Friends Change the World is a series of picture books that celebrates the power of friendship. From musical greats to sports champions, scientists and explorers to artists and activists, these are the true stories of real friends who achieved amazing things. Whether best friends since school or thrown together by a chance encounter, they supported and inspired each other to make their shared dreams come true. This charming series shows 4- to 7-year-olds how togetherness, respect, and friendship can make the world a better place.

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School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--In 1960s Detroit, three young Black women had big dreams. However, discrimination and segregation limited the opportunities available to Black Americans, including within the entertainment industry. These obstacles didn't stop friends Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson from reaching for the stars. Ballard and Wilson became friends after performing at a high school talent show; Ross became acquainted with the duo after auditioning for an all-girl group that would accompany an all-male group called The Primes. The text chronologically documents the friends' rise to fame, from the halls of their high school to some of Detroit's most popular clubs and sock hops, to a Motown Records recording studio, all the way to the international stage and beyond. Despite the racial tensions, rejection from the music industry, and highs and lows in the trio's friendship, the narrative reinforces their persistence, determination, and talent. Perera's colorful, retro-inspired illustrations emphasize the excitement and momentum of the Supremes' growing success. Clever placement of text and spirited pictures capture the rhythm of life and their music, as well as the changing attitudes of the era. Additional historical information provides context to the difficulties faced by Black musicians in this time period, affirming the hard work conducted by The Supremes and their musical peers to break down racial barriers. VERDICT This sparkling picture book will inspire readers to persist in the fight for their dreams and for a better world.--Natalie Romano, Denver P.L.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Zoë Tucker

Zoë Tucker is passionate about picture books. In her day job as a picture-book art director and designer, she has worked with bestselling artists including Waterstones-prize winner Lizzy Stewart, Axel Scheffler, Nick Sharratt, and Helen Stephens. She is the author of Greta and the Giants, and books in the Friends Change the World series.

Amanda Quartey is an illustrator based in the UK. At the age of 14 she moved to Ghana and studied art, and later returned to the UK to study Graphic Design. She has worked on a variety of published projects.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780711261518
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Wide Eyed Editions
Publication date
January 20, 2021
Series
Friends Change the World
BISAC categories
JNF018010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JNF007040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Music
JNF025210 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | United States/20th Century
JNF036050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Music | Popular
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
United States
20th century
Women singers
Popular music
Wilson, Mary
Ross, Diana
Supremes (Musical group)
Ballard, Florence

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