Simon B. Rhymin' Audiobook By Dwayne Reed cover art

Simon B. Rhymin'

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Simon B. Rhymin'

By: Dwayne Reed
Narrated by: Dwayne Reed
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A humorous and heartwarming bounce-to-the-beat underdog story about a young rapper whose rhymes help bring his community together, from America's favorite rapping teacher.

As featured on Good Morning America!

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?

Dwayne Reed is a Chicago teacher, whose viral back-to-school music video "Welcome to the 4th Grade" took the internet by storm. His debut novel, Simon B. Rhymin' , inspires young readers everywhere to use their voice to create change within their communities. Difficult Discussions Growing Up & Facts of Life Music & Performing Arts Humorous Fiction Literature & Fiction Music Heartfelt Witty Multicultural Stories

Critic reviews

“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
"A heartwarming tale that combines Black boy joy with community connection."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Dwayne Reed has succeeded in writing a story about a boy who is enjoying his life, exploring this theme without overtly coming across as teaching a lesson to readers."—School Library Connection

“This uplifting, realistic story of a young Black boy lyricist is a strong addition to any library collection.”

—School Library Journal

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Dwayne Reed has written a beautiful book with a storyline we all need. My 8 year old daughter wasn’t quite ready to read the book herself, but listening to the audio book brought so much joy. This audio made it COME ALIVE! The raps, the conversations, just the whole thing … wonderfully done.

Absolutely our fave!

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Nothing bang g f r for the the t nr Brent th t fn n Werner. End rn r t r n

The story was amazing.I love how it encourages black boys and girls.

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This was an incredible book to engage my 4th grade class, and inspire and reawaken a love for reading during a usually tough part of the school year. My students saw themselves reflected in the characters, their families, the things they cared about and ways they spoke and related to each other and the world around them. Using the audiobook instead of myself as the read-aloud reader allowed me to present the author’s authentic voice to make the novel more relatable to my students, and including those great tracks and beats to illuminate Simon’s inner rhymes made them come alive! My students were hooked and many begged their parents to go buy their own copies even after just the first couple chapters.

Essential Elementary Novel

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This is an AMAZING story!! It is current, creative, innovative, and contemplative!! As an adult and educator it captured my attention and kept me engaged. I'm CERTAIN elementary and middle school students will love this book as well!!! B rhymin' Dwayne Reed!!

B Rhymin'!

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This story is meant for every child to hear. It is a story of empathy, self growth, and beating your fears. I will always read this novel to my students!

Oh Simon!

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