Books About Rap And Hip-hop

The Best Rap And Hip-hop Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Music Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about rap and hip-hop? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Rap And Hip-hop

Sale price

$858

Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2019

The Story of Rap

By Editors of Caterpillar Books, Lindsey Sagar (Illustrator) · The Story of Music series

Discover rap's roots and legends in a playful baby book that inspires swagger.

24 pages

4.4/5 Goodreads · 343 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Board Book

Summary: Introduce your little one to the vibrant world of rap, from Grandmaster Flash to Kendrick Lamar. This charming book takes toddlers on a rhythmic journey through the history of rap, celebrating the voices that have shaped generations. Will your child bop along with the greats and develop their own swagger? Perfect for tiny music lovers, this book promises to entertain and educate, sparking curiosity about the powerful beats and stories behind the music.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–10 · 2021

Simon B. Rhymin'

By Dwayne Reed · Book #1 in the Simon B. Rhymin' series

A shy kid must rap his way to confidence and community change.

256 pages· 34,566 words· Est. 5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 842 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Simon Barnes, a timid fifth grader with big dreams of rap stardom, faces his fears when tasked with a community-focused presentation. With unexpected allies and his neighborhood crew, can Simon find his voice and prove that one kid's rhymes can make a difference? Dive into this rhythmic journey of courage and transformation.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2013

When the Beat Was Born

By Laban Carrick Hill, Theodore Taylor III (Illustrator)

Discover how DJ Kool Herc's beats transformed music and culture forever.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2014)

32 pages· 1,085 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,630 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1973, Clive Campbell, known as DJ Kool Herc, revolutionized music at a Bronx party. His innovative style extended musical breaks, sparking a dance movement that united rival gangs. From his Jamaican roots to his Bronx youth, Kool Herc's story reveals the birth of a genre that reshaped global culture. How did one DJ's creativity ignite a worldwide phenomenon?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2019

Beyoncé: Shine Your Light

By Sarah Warren, Geneva Bowers (Illustrator)

A shy girl discovers her voice and becomes a global superstar.

32 pages· 371 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

3.8/5 Goodreads · 212 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Once a quiet child, Beyoncé transforms onstage, revealing her dazzling talent. Follow her journey from shy beginnings to global stardom, inspiring millions to find their own voice and shine.

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Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

Sci-Fu

By Yehudi Mercado · Book #1 in the Sci Fu series

A DJ's beat summons a UFO, leading to a battle on a robot planet.

144 pages· 743 words· Est. 7 min read

3.7/5 Goodreads · 331 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1980s Brooklyn, DJ Wax spins the perfect beat, accidentally summoning a UFO that whisks his family and friends to Discopia, a robot-ruled world. To return home, Wax must master Sci-Fu, an intergalactic musical martial art. Can he and his crew fight the power and save Earth, or will they be trapped in a cosmic clash of hip-hop and sci-fi forever? Discover the ultimate mash-up adventure where beats and battles collide.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Rappy the Raptor

By Dan Gutman, Tim Bowers (Illustrator) · Rappy the Raptor series

A rapping raptor discovers the joy of rhyming in a dino-sized adventure.

40 pages· 573 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

3.3/5 Goodreads · 228 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Rappy the Raptor can't stop rhyming, and it's not just a phase. Discover how this unique velociraptor embraces his rhythmic speech in a tale full of fun and beats. As Rappy navigates his world with a lyrical twist, readers will be drawn into his journey of self-acceptance and creativity. What sparked his rapping talent, and how will it change his life? Join Rappy in this lively, toe-tapping adventure that promises to entertain and inspire both kids and parents alike.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Rappy Goes to School

By Dan Gutman, Tim Bowers (Illustrator) · Rappy the Raptor series

A raptor's first school day turns heroic when he rhymes against bullying.

40 pages· 720 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

3.3/5 Goodreads · 80 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Rappy the Raptor faces first-day jitters at school, struggling to stay calm. But when he witnesses a classmate being bullied, he discovers his courage and unique voice—speaking up in rhyme! Can Rappy's rhythmic words turn the tide and bring harmony to the classroom? Join this dino-sized adventure filled with heart, humor, and a powerful message about standing up for others. Will Rappy's rhymes save the day?

Bust Your Own Rhymes. . . and Discover the Star You Are! (That Girl Lay Lay)

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Bust Your Own Rhymes. . . and Discover the Star You Are! (That Girl Lay Lay)

By Terrance Crawford · That Girl Lay Lay series

Unleash your inner star with interactive rhymes, quizzes, and creative challenges.

144 pages

5.0/5 Goodreads · 4 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: Join Lay Lay, Nickelodeon's rising star, in this interactive journey to stardom. Discover how to craft your own rhymes, set inspiring goals, and design your debut album. With quizzes to reveal your star potential and activities to plan your world tour, this book is your guide to breaking barriers and shining bright. Are you ready to slay the stage and share your dreams with the universe?

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Rappy Goes to the Supermarket

By Dan Gutman, Tim Bowers (Illustrator) · Rappy the Raptor series

A raptor's rhymes turn a grocery mishap into a fun adventure.

32 pages

3.8/5 Goodreads · 87 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Rappy the Raptor dreads the grocery store, but chaos ensues when he topples a massive toilet paper display. With an angry manager looming, Rappy must use his clever rhyming skills to turn disaster into delight. Can he save the day and make shopping fun? Join Rappy on a rhythmic romp through the aisles, where quick thinking and creativity might just be the key to solving unexpected problems. Perfect for young readers, this tale promises laughter and a lesson in turning the mundane into an adventure.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Who Is Bad Bunny?

By G. M. Taboas Zayas, Who HQ, Andrew Thomson (Illustrator) · Who HQ Now series

Discover Bad Bunny's rise from Soundcloud to global stardom.

56 pages· 3,616 words· Est. 31 min read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 113 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Explore the journey of Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican sensation who transformed from a Soundcloud artist to a global icon. With hits that break language barriers, he's collaborated with stars like Cardi B and Drake, and performed at Coachella. Beyond music, he's a Grammy winner, Billboard champion, activist, and even a professional wrestler. Dive into this illustrated biography to uncover the multifaceted career of one of today's most streamed artists.

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