MEDIA

Rise Shine #Woke

Performed by Alphabet Rockers. CD. 42 min. School Time Music. 2017. $14.99.
COPY ISBN
RedReviewStarPreS-Gr 5—Oakland, CA-based hip-hop group Alphabet Rockers return with one of the most important children's albums of the year. Led by Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd, the band performs well-crafted tunes filled with complicated rhymes and beats that convey the important messages of inclusion, love, diversity, and lifting each other up. While they never shy away from the tough topics, including racism and building walls between each other, they also keep each tune relatable to young listeners by incorporating raps that are skillfully performed by children and by including interviews with young people as preludes to some of the songs. Teaching children about social justice may sound daunting, but the Alphabet Rockers make it easy.
VERDICT A must-have for family listening and discussion, and in classrooms where any of these topics are taught.

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