Simon B. Rhymin'

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Fifth grader Simon loves rhyming, just not in front of other people. His new teacher is young and raps (cool) but the first assignment is a presentation (not cool). This fun and original novel is about a young man finding the courage to show the world who he is. Recommended By Jennifer H., Powells.com

A humorous and heartwarming bounce-to-the-beat underdog story about a young rapper whose rhymes help bring his community together.

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?

"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

"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

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

Dwayne Reed is America's favorite rapping teacher from Chicago. In 2016, the music video for his hit song, Welcome to the 4th Grade, went viral and has since been viewed nearly two million times on YouTube. When he's not writing, rapping, or teaching, Dwayne can be found presenting at educator conferences across the U.S., or loving on his beautiful wife, Simone.