Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

Book Picks: Amanda Gorman’s rhythmic poem, Questlove’s music history

Book reviews: Amanda Gorman's vivid and inspiring story, plus a musical journey with Questlove.

Book picks for kids (and adults):

Looking for some reading inspiration? Here’s a peek at what King County Library System staff and the young readers in their lives are digging into this month!

All KCLS libraries are open. Plan your next visit at kcls.org/visit.

 

AdultsMusic is History by Questlove 

Grammy-winning musician Questlove, best known as the drummer and co-founder of The Roots, and music director for “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” looks at the last five decades of music and history in his new book. From 1971 (the year he was born) to modern day, Questlove pairs historical events with simultaneously released music in each year. Part memoir, part cultural criticism and part historical analysis, his encyclopedic journey through music is wide-ranging and thought-provoking. 

KidsChange Sings: A Children’s Anthem by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long 

This rhythmic poem by Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, celebrates kindness and encourages readers to make a positive impact in their communities. Told in simple, yet powerful couplets on each page, a young girl and her guitar make their way through the neighborhood, spreading music and goodwill as they go. Others join in her song, and soon, everyone is lending a helping hand in this vivid and inspiring story.

 

 

 

More book picks for kids (and other book news):

Books to celebrate Black History Month

Favorite kids’ books of local authors and educators

KCLS Best Books for 2021

Combine kids’ books and real-life adventures around Seattle

4 stories that remind us we’re all part of something bigger

How to start your own little free library

Dad Next Door: Harry Potter will set you free (from reading tedious bedtime stories to your kids)

 

 

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About the Author

Rekha Kuver

Librarian Rekha Kuver is the youth and family services manager for the King County Library System. As a reader, she likes characters with rich internal lives and settings with a vivid sense of time and place. When she’s not reading or listening to audiobooks, she’s making art or spending time outdoors.