The Roots of Rap

Carole Boston Weatherford

If you want kids to read, (and actually enjoy it), you have to give them things to read that they care about. It's true. They needs books on topics that they're interested in. They need books on people they idolize. They will read if they care enough about the content.

"From Atlanta to Zanzibar, youth spit freestyle freedom sounds. Hip-hop is a language that's spoken the whole world 'round."

4 out of 5 Stars

Journey through the evolution of hip-hop in this rhythmic retelling of the roots of rap. Introductions to music styles, musicians, and rap culture are woven throughout this story.

What a cool book. "Cool" doesn't even do it justice. I wish I had a word for what kids these days say that equates, but I guess I'm too old to know what that is. This book takes you on a trip from Langston Hughes, to the Sugarhill Gang, to TLC and Queen Latifah. Informative, inspirational, and relevant. And, I'm obsessed with the fact that it is written in rap format. The illustrations are on point, creating a dynamic book.