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A funny and heartwarming bounce-to-the-beat underdog story about a kid rapper whose rhymes bring his community together, “effectively conveying the transformative power of art” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), by America’s favorite rapping teacher from Chicago.

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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Simon B. Rhymin’

A Junior Library Guild Selection

“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
"A heartwarming tale that combines Black boy joy with community connection."

Kirkus Reviews
"Dwayne Reed has succeeded in writing a story about a boy who is enjoying his life, exploring this theme without overtly coming across as teaching a lesson to readers."
School Library Connection
“This uplifting, realistic story of a young Black boy lyricist is a strong addition to any library collection.”
School Library Journal

On Sale: Mar 2, 2021
Page Count: 240 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9780316538978

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Dwayne Reed

About the Author

Dwayne Reed is America’s favorite rapping teacher from Chicago and the author of the Simon B. Rhymin’ series. He is known for his viral music videos and hit songs, “Welcome to the 4th Grade” and “Welcome to Kindergarten.” When he’s not writing, rapping, or teaching, Dwayne can be found presenting at educator conferences across the US, or loving on his beautiful wife, Simoné, and their children, Chase and Cambridge. He invites you to follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TeachMrReed.

Learn more about this author