Rap, Sing, Read, Rhyme!
by Leah Reinsager, Children's Associate, Pratt Library
I am sharing this book with you in honor of National Poetry Month in April and National Teacher Appreciation Month in May.
Written by Dwayne Reed, who is known as “America’s Favorite Rapping Teacher” from Chicago, this book highlights his own experience as an elementary school teacher to create the fun and believable world of Simon B. Rhymin'.
This realistic fiction book tells the story of Simon Barnes- a compassionate, shy, and well-loved 11-year-old black boy from Chicago, and how he overcomes his fear of public speaking and gives a voice to the homeless within his community.
Our story begins as Simon enters fifth grade at Booker T. Washington Elementary alongside a cast of caring, fun, and diverse kids from his neighborhood. Simon loves to rap, and so does his new teacher, Mr. James. This endears Simon to Mr. James, that is until Mr. James presents the class with an assignment to give an oral presentation on a subject that is close to their heart...and asks Simon to present first! Simon decides to do his presentation on homelessness after he sees Sunny, a well-known and kindhearted man experiencing homelessness in their community, sweeping the steps of their apartment building while singing an old fashioned song.
The story continues as Simon spends time with Sunny and visits the local homeless shelter to help hand out meals and talk to the people there with his dad. Simon learns that Sunny is a musician, worked at the same job for 15 years, and is a widower. After these conversations, Simon decides to show others who Sunny really is beyond just the label “homeless”, and that he will do so as a rap.
Through the encouragement of his friends at school, his family, and his new friend Sunny, Simon not only finds the courage to share Sunny's story with his class, but also inspires his community to join together for a monthly dinner and open mic night.
Mr. Reed has continued writing the Simon B. Rhymin' series, as well as other inspring stories that I encourage you to check out. I also recommend looking through his YouTube channel for catchy singalong songs, upbeat raps about topics like staying healthy and recycling, and virtual storytimes.
