Franklin and the Fabulous Five

In this joyful celebration of soul, style, and self-expression, from the award‑winning author of Cookies & Milk, Franklin has to decide if he wants to chase his own dreams or his father’s dreams for the family band on a road-trip romp to Motown.

It’s 1964, and Franklin and the Fabulous 5ive are going to be the next BIG THING! After all, their musical talent and their dad’s drive to give the Freeman family a real shot at a better life are an unbeatable combination.

Franklin hits the road with his family for a make-or-break trip playing shows along the Chitlin Circuit, on their way from their home in Houston to Detroit, where an audition at the Motown Records awaits. Yet while his five brothers and dad fixate on the Fabulous 5ive sound, lead singer Franklin is focused on the band’s style. Franklin longs to bring his designs into the spotlight, but as mishaps mount and the Freemans confront dangers and indignities on the road, Franklin’s dreams—and the journey itself—begin to unravel.

With inspiration from real-life famous figures and help from his community plus a dazzlingly eccentric mentor, Franklin might just find a way to support his family while staying true to himself. This richly drawn portrait of 1960s Black America encourages readers to dream big.