From the Publisher
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“Dwayne Reed has done it again! This unforgettable protagonist will inspire young readers to utilize whatever skill and talent they possess.”
—Derrick Barnes, Newbery Honor author and two-time Kirkus Prize winner
“Change is possible and books like this one help remind us of exactly that. Within these pages you’ll find courage, community, and some really, really great rhymes. I love Simon.”
—Brad Montague, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author
"Readers encounter Simon’s infectious personality, lively raps, warm, loving family, and collection of loyal friends….A timely tale that successfully blends the challenges of urban communities with hope and optimism."—Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Simon B. Rhymin'
“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 review
Kirkus Reviews
2022-01-26
An African American tween and his friends rally support to keep budget cuts from ending their after-school activities.
Simon and his best friend, Maria Rivera, are outraged to discover many of their beloved activities are falling victim to Booker T. Washington Elementary School’s lack of funding. The students already cope with a lack of air conditioning, and they are aware of better conditions and equipment in schools in other neighborhoods. When Maria learns that her beloved debate team has been downgraded to a club, with no trips to competitions, she is determined to do something, and she enlists Simon and their friends to help. Simon is skeptical until conversations with his mother and teacher give him hope that a community petition could have an impact. The young people develop a strategy and set about getting signatures. As he becomes more involved in seeking justice, Simon’s raps take on a more activist slant. His brother Aaron considers the effort unlikely to succeed without an infusion of social media attention. When Simon tries to make up for a setback, it appears Aaron may be correct. Once again, readers encounter Simon’s infectious personality, lively raps, warm, loving family, and collection of loyal friends. The connection between the students’ petition and protests in the larger world is seamless and perfectly pitched for a middle-grade audience. Final art not seen.
A timely tale that successfully blends the challenges of urban communities with hope and optimism. (Fiction. 8-12)
