Two intrepid librarians

Two intrepid librarians review the best nonfiction books for children

Monday, February 25, 2019

The Roots of Rap

The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the Pillar of Hip-Hop  
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Frank Morrison
Little Bee Books, 2019
Grades K-6

Weatherford and Morrison pay homage to the history of rap in this gorgeous nonfiction picture book for readers of all ages. The bold, realistic-style illustrations fill the page as the lyrical narrative scrolls along the bottom of the page. Weatherford pays respect to poets Langston Hughes and Paul Laurence Dunbar as she takes readers on a musical journey that traces the history of hip-hop.

"A generation voicing stories, hopes and fears founds a hip-hop nation-wide. Say holler if you hear."

Graffiti, breakdancing, boom boxes and turn tables play an important role in the musical genre. Influential rappers, deejays and artists are represented in the stunning illustrations: DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, The Sugarhill Gang and more. Readers can learn more about the artists by reading Hip-Hop Who's Who in the back matter.

Give The Roots of Rap to the music lover in your family. It would also make the perfect book for an interactive, preschool story time.

The Roots of Rap Book Trailer

2 comments:

  1. I don't listen to rap, but this book looks really interesting. Kids will love it, but we adults can also learn things we didn't know about rap!

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  2. I've always enjoyed CBW's books. Looking forward to reading this one!

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