Author of the Month Andrea Davis Pinkney

In 1959, in a bungalow in the heart of Detroit, with $800 and a dream, Berry Gordy, Jr. started the first recording label for African American musicians. It was here that the "Sound of Young America" was born and where the "Groove" got its beginning. Take a ride won't you—a Rhythm Ride—with February's Author of the Month, Andrea Davis Pinkney, through the history of Motown.

Questions and Activities

• Who is Berry Gordy, Jr.?
• How many of these Motown artists do you know?
  • The Marvelettes
  • Mary Wells
  • Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
  • The Temptations
  • Stevie Wonder
  • Diana Ross and the Supremes
  • Martha and the Vandellas
  • Marvin Gaye
  • The Four Tops
  • Gladys Knight and the Pips
  • The Jackson 5
  • Lionel Richie and the Commodores
• What was Motown's first hit record? Its first top 10 hit? Its first No. 1 hit?
• Take a virtual trip to the Motown Museum in Detroit.
• Who are some other classic Motown artists?
• Looking for even more books like Rhythm Ride? We recommend books to take you on a ride through the history of music and the 1960s and other great books by Andrea Davis Pinkney.

Learn more about this month's Author of the Month in our Q&A with Pinkney about her writing process.