For this installment of our weekly book reviews from Booklist, the American Library Association’s nationally distributed book and media review publication, we have Beth McGuire’s review of “Dolly Parton” by Betsy Rathburn and illustrated by Claudia Marianno, first published June 1, 2026, in Booklist Online.
Enjoy.
“Dolly Parton”
By Betsy Rathburn. Illustrated by Claudia Marianno.
Jan. 2026. 24p. Bellwether/Blastoff! Missions, lib. ed. Grades 1-3.
Legendary Lives is a biography series intended to promote sight-word acquisition, and young readers are challenged to find these words—clearly positioned in a colorful capsule on the page—as part of their reading “mission.” The series features warm and realistic illustrations and introduces each individual’s path to leadership. “Dolly Parton” showcases the singer’s varied experiences, grounded in her Tennessee upbringing, encompassing singing, acting, opening a theme park, founding the Imagination Library, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Cartoon kid Blastoff Jimmy makes periodic appearances with interesting factoids, and each title concludes with discussion questions and a visually appealing biographical profile featuring key details and a mini timeline. This series is a valuable resource that integrates traditional and narrative nonfiction to support the development of sustained interest that may lead to engagement with Penguin’s Who Was? and Who Is? book collections.
About Booklist
Since 1905, Booklist has published thousands of book and audiobook reviews each year, helping library and education workers decide what to buy and how to guide patrons and students of all ages in choosing what to read, view, or listen to.
We’re proud to share these reviews with you each week. If you’d like to read more—along with must-read lists, author interviews, and top reading recommendations for adults, youth, and audiobook lovers—you can enjoy a free subscription to Booklist Reader, Booklist’s magazine for library patrons, as a benefit of becoming a Supporter of the American Library Association. What could be better?
How you can support libraries
With library funding being gutted and censorship on the rise, supporting libraries is more critical than ever. If you’re looking for a way to help, we urge you to become a Supporter of the American Library Association by donating.
At the American Library Association, we are here to protect libraries — today and for generations to come. What does your donation do? It helps a neighbor gain skills to start a business. It helps a child discover themselves through books and programs. And it helps keep libraries strong, open, and free for everyone.
Become a Supporter
Subscribe to the I Love Libraries newsletter! You’ll get news from the library world, advocacy updates, author interviews, book lists, and more delivered to your inbox every month.
