Rap It Up!

PreS-Gr 3–A young African American boy who was “born holding a mic, pad, and pen” guides readers through how to write their own raps. First, grab supplies, a pencil and paper, or a notebook. Next, figure out what to write about. They could write about what they care about, what motivates them, or even where they’re from. In their raps, they don’t have to be shy and can boast as much as they want. To take their raps to the next level, they can incorporate literary devices like figurative language, simile, and onomatopoeia. They can choose which rhyme scheme or rhythm they like best. Raps are a dynamic art form that they can craft in whatever they see fit. Rap It Up! encourages aspiring poets and rap artists to pick up their pens and write. The picture book guides readers through a step-by-step process to writing raps or any other creative pursuit. Through the medium of hip-hop and rap, readers are introduced to literary terms that will help buff up their bars and may even give them the confidence to speak their words out loud. The textured illustrations combine a multitude of artistic mediums that perfectly illustrate all that can be encompassed in a rap. Brown-skinned characters of varied skin tones and hair textures appear throughout.