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.

• Praise for Cookies & Milk
  
  A Junior Library Guild Selection
  An NAACP Image Award winner for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens
  
  "Shawn Amos has written a beautiful story of family and music, of growing up and having adventures, of business building and character building, that is at once very specific and universal. I love Cookies and Milk as much as I love cookies and milk."
  Lisa See, New York Times bestselling and award winning author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls
• "Full of heart and humor….A wholesome story that bridges generations."
  Kirkus
• "Offbeat and enchanting. The humorous narration is breezy and conversational …there are also exquisite descriptions of musical transcendence, an uplifting community, and a gorgeous father-son relationship that evolves and deepens throughout. A sweet treat with a warm center."
  Booklist
• "Amos’s energetic prose encourages pride in one's culture. Championing interpersonal bonds, be they found family or blood relatives, the narrative also emphasizes unconditional love and one community’s impact on a boy shaping his identity."
  Publishers Weekly
• "Sets a fantastic scene…. Music, family dynamics, friends, and cookies are all delivered with imagery so strong that readers will taste those cookies."
  School Library Journal