HIP-HOP - books at the 2nd Grade reading level about Hip-Hop Musicians!

These little biographies from Gareth Stevens Publishing are all at the 2nd Grade reading level.  I created a list featuring them because I think it's important to provide a wide range of reading material to children so that they can discover that books aren't just about George Washington and seeds and hibernation, but also about topics that are of special interest to them.

These books contain no objectionable material, and take an upbeat approach to their subjects.  The albums and businesses that the stars have created are discussed, as well as some of the other stars that they have worked with.

All are 32 pages long. 

All have a glossary and index at the back.

And the ones that I have read have a table of contents at the beginning.

The format has full page color photos on right-hand pages, with simple, large text on the left. 

RIHANNA
by Ella Rose

4.5 Stars from 2 GoodReaders

This biography is the simplest on the list.  My local library doesn't have it on the shelves so I can't give specific recommendations.

Word Count: 362
Accelerated Reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148788


USHER
by Therese Shea

This is an excellent little biography for young readers.  When compared to the ALICIA KEYS book, it contains more text, as well as more actual biographical information.

Table of Contents:
Just Usher
Becoming a Star
Singing and Acting

Timeline
For More Information
Glossary
Index

I'll note that the timeline is NOT presented as a line, but rather as a list of years with summations of events related to that year.  Example: 1978  Usher Raymond IV is born on October 14 in Dallas, Texas.

It should also be noted that the 'more information' books are at a MUCH higher reading level: AR 6, 7, 8.

Here's some sample text, along with some sample pages.

Usher is the king of R&B music.
His full name is Usher Raymond IV.
The "IV" means "4".

Word Count: 288
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141492


QUEEN LATIFAH
by Michou Kennon

Word Count: 300
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141490  
  

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
by Max Q. Maimone

Word Count: 264
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141488

JAY-Z
by Roman P. Nacerous

This book about JAY-Z is similar to the one about USHER. It has more text --when compared to the Alicia Keys book- and it features more actual biographical information.  Generally, two lines per page.

Here's some sample text and pages:

At Def Jam, Jay-Z helped young
hip-hop artists. Rihanna was one of
Jay-Z's new Stars.

As you can see, the company names and star names are a bit challenging. But it's likely that children interested in these stars will quickly learn the names.

Word Count: 262
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141487  


BEYONCE
by Michou Kennon

4.2 Stars from 4 GoodReaders

Word Count: 248
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141486


ALICIA KEYS
by Molly Shea

Out of the three books that I was able to find and review, this one on Alicia Keys is my least favorite.  What I liked was that it was very simple, and simple can be good if a new reader is intimidated by a page full of text. 

What I didn't like was that there was little actual biographical information. And some of the information that was presented seemed unimportant and out of place.  Here's an example of what I mean:

Alicia's piano teacher was named
Miss Aziza.  Miss Aziza wrote songs.

Not a great book... but a useful one.  I would give it 3-Stars.

Word Count: 248
Accelerated Reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141485


KANYE WEST
by Ethan Grucella

Word Count: 362
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148787

  
BLACK EYED PEAS
by Molly Shea

4.6 Stars from 5 GoodReaders

Word Count: 280
Accelerated Reading level: 2.4 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141491


EMINEM
by Roman O'Sorus

3.75 Stars from 4 GoodReaders

Word Count: 361
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148786 


DRAKE
by Robert Kennedy

Word Count: 359
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148785


CIARA
by Maeve Griffin

Word Count: 312
Accelerated Reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148784


SNOOP DOGG
by Kevin Shea

Word Count: 380
Accelerated Reading level: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 148790


MARY J. BLIGE
by Sofia Z. Maimone

Word Count: 279
Accelerated Reading level: 2.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141489


compiled by Pam