Simon B. Rhymin'

Simon B. Rhymin'

Dwayne Reed

Little Brown, 2021

226 pages

Grades 3-5

Realistic Fiction

It is the first day of fifth grade and Simon should feel super-confident starting the new school year in the oldest grade with two best friends. Unfortunately this is not the case. He is the shortest kid in class and also maybe the shyest. What his classmates don't know is that Simon is actually the Notorious D.O.G., rapper extraordinaire, a secret only his best friends, family, and Sonny, the man who sweeps the street, are in on. When his cool new teacher starts the year with a rap and a project to present an oral report about something current of local importance, Simon is both thrilled and terrified. What could he possible have to say that would make an impact? When Dad takes Simon to a homeless shelter he sees his friend and fellow singer the sweeper Sonny. Is Sonny homeless? Simon learns Sonny's backstory and decides to make him the focus of the oral report. Can a little guy like Simon make himself heard and deliver the message of a neighborhood problem that needs to be addressed? And, most of all, can he speak in front of the class without throwing up?

This book had me at the jaunty cover. Simon was instantly a kid that I needed to know. I enjoyed this story very much. Simon is a sweet and earnest main character. Young readers will identify with his desire to make a difference, but lacking the confidence to make it happen. Luckily, a supportive family, friends, and teacher make all the difference and Simon gains the courage to make big things happen-and speak in front of people. I love the rap aspect of the book. Simons raps are interspersed within the text, helping to move the plot along and express his feelings, encouraging readers to perhaps try writing some of their own. Since rap is a form of poetry, there is an easy classroom connection for this title. The book is over 200 pages, yet reads quickly and is peppered with small black and white illustrations, encouraging kids to keep turning pages. Even though some big world problems are addressed, the main focus of the book is Simon's lack of confidence and his journey to discover the courage to use his voice in the world. A fun book with a lot to say that will appeal to a wide variety of readers.