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Eleven-year-old Simon Barnes dreams of becoming a world-famous rapper that everyone calls Notorious D.O.G. But for now, he's just a Chicago fifth grader who's small for his age and afraid to use his voice.
Simon prefers to lay low at school and at home, even though he's constantly spitting rhymes in his head. But when his new teacher assigns the class an oral presentation on something that affects their community, Simon must face his fears.
With some help from an unexpected ally and his neighborhood crew, will Simon gain the confidence to rap his way to an A and prove that one kid can make a difference in his 'hood?
Dwayne Reed is a Chicago teacher, whose viral back-to-school music video "Welcome to the 4th Grade" took the internet by storm. His debut novel, Simon B. Rhymin' , inspires young readers everywhere to use their voices to create change within their communities.
Perfect for!
★ Black boy joy
★ Rap, poetry, and music lovers
★ Community reads
★ Chicagoans
READ MORE ABOUT SIMON AND HIS CREW:
Simon B. Rhymin' Takes a Stand
Simon B. Rhymin' Gets in the Game
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Creators
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Series
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Publisher
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Release date
March 2, 2021 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780316538947
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9780316538947
- File size: 18726 KB
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- ATOS Level: 5.1
- Interest Level: 4-8(MG)
- Text Difficulty: 3-4
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Reviews
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January 15, 2021
An African American tween with a gift for rhyme turns a school project into something bigger. Simon Barnes is entering fifth grade at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. He has supportive family and friends but still worries about being the shortest in his class and all the teasing that brings. One thing he holds onto is his ability to create raps, a talent that earned him the nickname Rhymin' Simon and sparked his dream of becoming a famous rapper. His best friend, Maria Rivera, shares information about their new teacher that makes him a bit anxious, but Mr. James turns out to be a high-energy presence with infectious enthusiasm. He even raps his welcome! However, he then announces their first assignment: an oral report on a topic of their choosing. Simon's reluctance to speak in public overshadows everything and consumes his thoughts. When he decides to make the subject of his presentation Sunny, an older homeless man who is a fixture in the neighborhood, the compassion his parents cultivated in him emerges. Reed draws on his experience as a teacher who went viral with his classroom raps to tell an upbeat story about a tween grounded in his community of Black and Latinx families. Simon is a likable protagonist, and his relationships ring true. The lively narrative is enhanced by Simon's rhymes; cheerful illustrations contribute to the buoyant tone. A heartwarming tale that combines Black boy joy with community connection. (Fiction. 8-12)COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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March 1, 2021
Gr 5 Up-Though fifth grader Simon is quiet, he dreams of following in the footsteps of other iconic Chicago rappers. But Simon starts to panic when his new teacher assigns a presentation, and he's the first to go. With the help of his friends, he will find a way to bring his inner rapper out and showcase his talents to make the grade. Readers will find the format of this book engaging. Reed writes in song breaks that convey Simon's feelings and inner thoughts through rap lyrics, which will keep even reluctant readers going. Simon is a relatable and authentic upper elementary student who will connect with the intended audience-tweens will be cheering for him as his confidence grows and he shines bright. VERDICT This uplifting, realistic story of a young Black boy lyricist is a strong addition to any library collection.-Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East H.S., IL
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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