About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts showing interest in the music they hear on the radio or is beginning to express themselves through dance and digital creativity. It is the perfect bridge for a parent who wants to share their own musical upbringing with a child who only knows modern hits. Through the lens of a father-daughter day trip to the Bronx, the story demystifies the origins of a global phenomenon, focusing on the resourcefulness and ingenuity of young people who built a culture from scratch. It is an uplifting look at history that celebrates community and the power of finding your voice. Jarrett Williams uses the graphic novel format to make complex history accessible and visually kinetic, making it an excellent choice for reluctant readers or visual learners. The book balances the high-energy excitement of the music scene with a tender family connection, emphasizing that today's trends are part of a larger, meaningful heritage. It is perfectly suited for children aged 8 to 14, offering enough depth for middle schoolers while remaining bright and engaging for younger elementary students.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book realistically depicts the poverty and neglect in the 1970s Bronx, including scenes of abandoned buildings and limited access to basic services. It also shows how these conditions spurred creativity and community building. The book handles the socioeconomic conditions of the 1970s Bronx with a realistic but hopeful lens. It addresses the lack of resources and social neglect in a secular, direct manner, highlighting how creativity was a response to environmental challenges. There are no intense depictions of violence or trauma.
