Rap It Up! - by Carole Boston Weatherford & Jeffery Boston Weatherford (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

★"This cheery picture book is a knockout, delightful on many levels...The ultimate message--put in the work, because "The words you write are worth it"--comes through and will hopefully inspire aspiring rap artists." --Booklist, starred review

Aspiring young rappers will delight in this infectious, read-aloud introduction to the poetry and craft of rap.

From scribbling words on the page to spitting rhymes on the mic, a joyful narrator guides readers through the emotions, literary techniques, structures and motifs that help make rap so amazing. With vibrant illustrations that leap off the page, this book urges readers to believe in themselves and the power of their creativity.

Celebratory and informative, Rap it Up! invites us to see where our imaginations may lead. Get ready to drop some beats, express yourself, and let the world hear what you've got to say!

Review Quotes

WINNER: National Council of Teachers of English 2026 Notable Poetry Book

★"This cheery picture book is a knockout, delightful on many levels. First, it celebrates the joy of creating, specifically writing and performing original rap pieces. It glorifies the wonders of language, defining writing elements and offering tips about online dictionaries and potent word choices...The work features vivid, graffiti-filled collages by Martinez that effectively capture the kinetic beats of rhythmic lyrics and the energy of live performances. Most importantly, the text, which is addressed directly to the reader, offers endless encouragement. Anyone can learn to rap, and everyone has something to say and the right to spit it out loud and proud. The ultimate message--put in the work, because "The words you write are worth it"--comes through and will hopefully inspire aspiring rap artists." --Booklist, starred review

"Martinez, making a picture book debut, follows the protagonist from toddlerhood to childhood in bold illustrations that get at hip-hop's vital energy...It's a rhythmic text that offers craft advice alongside a fervent promise of creative fulfillment." --Publishers Weekly

"A thrilling ode to rap and the creative process."--Kirkus

"This ode to hip-hop and rap is a perfect partnership between music and literature"--School Library Journal

About the Author

Carole Boston Weatherford is the award-winning author of more than 50 books of poetry, nonfiction, and children's literature. She is the recipient of a Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Author Honor, two NAACP Image Awards, a WNDB Walter Award, and numerous other accolades. She resides in North Carolina where she teaches at Fayetteville State University. cbweatherford.com

Jeffery Boston Weatherford is an award-winning children's book illustrator, spoken word poet/performer, digital designer, and born doodler. @triiibechief

Ernel Martinez was born in Belize and raised in Los Angeles and Detroit. His introduction to art was through the
underground world of graffiti. He enjoys creatively finding ways to give underserved communities the tools to tell their stories through art making. @art_by_ernel