All Good in the Hood

by Dwayne Reed, Gladys Jose (Illustrator)

Overview

This bounce-to-the-beat picture book by America’s favorite rapping teacher from Chicago is a tribute to the sights and sounds of a city neighborhood and the special bond between brothers as they help each other overcome their fears.   

Today is June 19th, Juneteenth’s what they say and for my family, it’s a very special day.

But sometimes the hood feels scary when we’re walking around. I wish I could stay home where it’s safe and sound. Where the dogs aren’t BARKING, and the cars aren’t HONKING, and the streetlights aren’t FLICKERING.

But when Big Bro tells me it will all be okay, I know the noises can’t hurt me and ruin my day.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780316461986
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	05/23/2023
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	10.20(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

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 son, Chase. All Good in the Hood is his debut picture book. He invites you to follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TeachMrReed.

Gladys Jose is the illustrator of Fresh Princess and The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek, as well as a chapter book series for EPIC! Books. Gladys lives in the sunny state of Florida with her husband and daughter. They spend most of their days trying to recall if they had carpet or tile underneath the mountains of toys and books. She invites you to visit her online at gladysjose.com or follow her on Instagram @gladysjoseillustrates. 

Editorial Reviews

An endearing story … The sweet family dynamics, particularly between the brothers, carry this story, which is less concerned with Juneteenth’s history than it is about depicting an upbeat, modern celebration.” —Booklist

"Reed’s conversational rhymes and Jose’s cartoon-style digital illustrations capture the celebratory air of the family’s local Juneteenth festivities, the heightened state of the main character’s emotions, and the bolstering support that a close family relationship can bring."—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2023-05-09
On Juneteenth, with the encouragement of his big brother, a young Black boy explores his ’hood.

Mom, Dad, and Big Bro are ready to walk to the center of town for the big celebration, but the narrator, Lil’ Bro, feels more comfortable and safe at home. Reluctantly, he joins the family and slowly begins to come out of his shell. He wants to play basketball, and with Big Bro’s encouragement, the other kids let him play. When the ball flies into the street, Big Bro pulls Lil’ Bro out of the path of a truck just in time. At the park, the celebration is noisy and overwhelming, but Big Bro helps him have a good day. Other scares on the way to and from the festivities are diminished with the help of Big Bro. By day’s end, Lil’ Bro adopts Big Bro’s refrain of “Don’t worry…it’s all good in the hood!” In rhyming couplets that read like upbeat rap lyrics, educator Reed presents a relatable, worried character and his wonderfully supportive family. The story artfully weaves in a beautiful community celebrating the Juneteenth holiday as a comforting backdrop to the narrator’s fears. Jose’s expressive art depicts a neighborhood full of large, colorful single-family homes with gated yards and children playing outdoors on generous sidewalks. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A loving portrayal of brotherhood. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews