“You ready, child? Let’s go.”

Narrated by “the Groove,” Rhythm Ride: A Road Trip through the Motown Sound by Andrea Davis Pinkney takes teen readers through the history, people, and songs of Motown.

Berry Gordy, Jr., rooted in Motor City, starts the label in part as a reaction to “white washing” - the practice of putting photos of white singers on albums of black singers. He also innovates the label sponsored tour, helping his acts to break out of the “chitlin circuit” and onto the stages of prominent halls and theaters.

Starting with singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, Gordy slowly accrues a talented cast of writers, musicians, and singers. Recognizing the need for showmanship, he also brings on board Maxine Powell, the instructor who teaches the singers poise, and Cholly Atkins, the dance instructor who brings the smooth moves.

With hits by The Supremes, The Temptations, and the Jackson 5, the sound expands, and Gordy heads to Hollywood.  However, in the tumultuous years following the Vietnam War, Motown loses the Jacksons and Diana Ross to other labels.

The book ends with a selected discography. “Now it’s your turn to drive,” the Groove says. “You don’t need a license to listen, kid. Just sit back and let the music take you.”