A Hip-Hop Legend

The Coretta Scott King Awards were announced last week and I like many school librarians enjoy seeing which books are awarded.  This year's list is special to me because one book in particular really took me back to a time in my teenage years.   

“When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip-Hop” written by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III is a picture book for young readers that introduces them to rap pioneer DJ Kool Herc.   Born Clive Campbell in Kingston, Jamaica is credited for launching hip-hop during the early 70's.  The book describes his roots in Jamaica, how he began hosting music infused parties in his Bronx neighborhood and his influence on modern hip-hop today.

Taylor is the winner of the 2014 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent.  If you would like to check out some excerpts from this award winning book, visit his website at:  www.theodore3.com.

Long live hip-hop!

Hot Reads!

     Here's a couple of hot reads in my Library Media Center.  It's only the second week of school and I have over dozen requests for these books.  Students must have a parental consent form on file to check out these books.  This form helps me greatly because I get these books back with the parents help.

#LatePost: Wahida Clark Visits Chicago

Yes it's been a long minute since I've posted.  Just check out my other blog, The Audacious Librarian and you will understand why.  Moving forward, I'm playing catch up on several posts that should have been up for a long time.

Me with the Queen of Street Lit, Wahida Clark

This is a #LatePost from a book signing where the always working Queen of Street Lit, Wahida Clark visited Chicago.  During her stay she signed copies of her April release, "Honor Thy Thug." This event was hosted by Da Book Joint owned by Verlean Singletary a Chicago online bookseller.  I cannot wait to check out these signed copies of Wahida's books to my students this fall.  My students are in love with the THUG series