A Junior Library Guild Selection “Dwayne Reed has done it again! This unforgettable protagonist will inspire young readers to utilize whatever skill and talent they possess.”
—Derrick Barnes, Newbery Honor author and two-time Kirkus Prize winner
“Change is possible and books like this one help remind us of exactly that. Within these pages you’ll find courage, community, and some really, really great rhymes. I love Simon.”
—Brad Montague, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author
"Readers encounter Simon’s infectious personality, lively raps, warm, loving family, and collection of loyal friends….A timely tale that successfully blends the challenges of urban communities with hope and optimism."—Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Simon B. Rhymin' “Upbeat and heartfelt, Simon B. Rhymin' is a sure-fire hit!”—Lincoln Peirce, New York Times bestselling creator of Big Nate and Max & the Midknights
"I love Simon. I love his heart, his rhythm and rhyme. We've been needing his voice for a long, long time."—Liesl Shurtliff, New York Times bestselling author of Rump
"An authentic voice, strong friendships and loads of laughs make rhymin’ Simon a winner."—Tom Watson, author of Stick Dog
*“Reed writes his characters with compassionate and keen insight, effectively conveying the transformative power of art, storytelling, and community.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
04/29/2022
Gr 3–5—Set over the course of two weeks, this sequel to Simon B. Rhymin' continues the story of Simon and his best friends Maria and C.J. Maria becomes upset when she learns that funding for afterschool arts programs at Booker T. Washington School are being cut in favor of sports programs. Her beloved debate club won't be able travel to participate in competitions. Friends Simon and C.J., like Maria, are inspired by a teacher's lesson on peaceful protest. Maria decides to start a petition against the cessation of certain types of programs. Supported by their families, the kids learn how to create a social movement. The story is interspersed with Simon's great raps which are mostly in his head, due to insecurity. However, he starts to find the confidence to use his mad rapping skills to help in the movement to restore arts funding. Simon learns to fight for something without actually physically fighting—all one needs is his or her voice. The aspirational quality to the story is exciting, and the raps are sure to be a hit with readers. Simon and his friends have various shades of brown skin and dark hair. VERDICT Should be popular with third and fourth graders who enjoy rap music, and those who care about the world around them.—B. Allison Gray
Dwayne Reed, a Chicago teacher and YouTube sensation for “Welcome to Fourth Grade,” outdoes himself introducing Simon Barnes, aka Notorious D.O.G., who’s short, self-conscious, and loyal. Listeners enjoy intermittent raps—Simon has a song for everything, for example, defending after school programs. Reed captures convincing classroom dynamics, family and community support, and lively characters such as Simon’s endearing best friend, Maria, an exceptional debater. Most exciting is the students’ involvement in a petition for maintaining school clubs and their observations of the adults disagreeing—politely. Simon acts as a role model to young listeners as he admits he’s scared about taking a risk for the cause. In addition to the inspiring story, Simon’s barks and quips at the ends of his songs add to the fun. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Dwayne Reed, a Chicago teacher and YouTube sensation for “Welcome to Fourth Grade,” outdoes himself introducing Simon Barnes, aka Notorious D.O.G., who’s short, self-conscious, and loyal. Listeners enjoy intermittent raps—Simon has a song for everything, for example, defending after school programs. Reed captures convincing classroom dynamics, family and community support, and lively characters such as Simon’s endearing best friend, Maria, an exceptional debater. Most exciting is the students’ involvement in a petition for maintaining school clubs and their observations of the adults disagreeing—politely. Simon acts as a role model to young listeners as he admits he’s scared about taking a risk for the cause. In addition to the inspiring story, Simon’s barks and quips at the ends of his songs add to the fun. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
2022-01-26
An African American tween and his friends rally support to keep budget cuts from ending their after-school activities.
Simon and his best friend, Maria Rivera, are outraged to discover many of their beloved activities are falling victim to Booker T. Washington Elementary School’s lack of funding. The students already cope with a lack of air conditioning, and they are aware of better conditions and equipment in schools in other neighborhoods. When Maria learns that her beloved debate team has been downgraded to a club, with no trips to competitions, she is determined to do something, and she enlists Simon and their friends to help. Simon is skeptical until conversations with his mother and teacher give him hope that a community petition could have an impact. The young people develop a strategy and set about getting signatures. As he becomes more involved in seeking justice, Simon’s raps take on a more activist slant. His brother Aaron considers the effort unlikely to succeed without an infusion of social media attention. When Simon tries to make up for a setback, it appears Aaron may be correct. Once again, readers encounter Simon’s infectious personality, lively raps, warm, loving family, and collection of loyal friends. The connection between the students’ petition and protests in the larger world is seamless and perfectly pitched for a middle-grade audience. Final art not seen.
A timely tale that successfully blends the challenges of urban communities with hope and optimism. (Fiction. 8-12)
