Neon Aliens Ate My Homework

February 9, 2015
Hip-hop artist and music producer Cannon presents a well-rounded collection of 61 poems that includes homages to Shel Silverstein (“When I was a kid, A Light in the Attic was the first book that I read on my own,” Cannon writes in his introduction) and rappers who inspired Cannon in his youth (“The girls were Salt N Pepa while the boys were Beastie/ After recess we cooled down, cold chillin’ with Ice Cube and Ice-T”), as well as poems about bodily humor, inner-city life, family, growing up, and more. Illustrations from street artists blend psychedelic cartoons, eight-bit video-game imagery, and florid graffiti-style lettering to give the collection a modern feel. Cannon’s merging of rap and poetry may hit a sweet spot for kids who like to read with their earbuds in place. Ages 7–10. Agent: D. Christopher Jennings and Robert Caruso, Impact Republic; Ncredible Entertainment.

February 1, 2015
What if Shel Silverstein grew up on hip-hop? Children's poetry meets hip-hop culture in this colorful collection anchored by street art and mixed with witty and empowering rhyme. Offering over 60 poems accompanied by graffiti-inspired illustrations from an international collective of artists, Cannon touches on all facets of youth culture in this comical assortment. He explains in an introductory note that, as a child, he found equal inspiration in Shel Silverstein and rappers, whom he identifies as "the storytellers of the street." From there, he leads readers into poems such as "Graffiti Dreams," in which he writes "Lost in my passion, I spray my heart away / I breathe graffiti and dream of a new day," celebrating street art, which many hold as a key element of hip-hop culture along with the MC, DJ and B-boy. Sillier poems, such as "Halitosis" and "Funky Feet," make clever reading opportunities out of the gross-out humor so popular with growing boys. Dedication poems such as "Mateo" and "A Champion Named Ikiaka" add a heartfelt touch. The standout "Weird Concrete" seeks to empower readers to overcome the obstacles of inner-city life. A collection well-suited to young boys of color as well as all young fans of hip-hop culture, who often long for family-friendly content. (Poetry. 7-10)

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April 1, 2015

Gr 3-6-This mixed collection of 65 poems from comedian, actor, and musician Cannon varies in tone from the heartfelt to the flippant, hitting almost every note in between. While some of the offerings, such as "Lend Your Light" and "Put on a Smile," are very well done, others, such as "Farts or Burps" and "Bless You," are less successful. It is clear from the writing style that hip-hop culture has greatly influenced Cannon, and the illustrations (from Cannon and six street artists) also echo the urban influences, lending themselves well to the text. Without looking at the copyright page, it's difficult to discern which images are by which artist. VERDICT This title will find fans among those who pick it up because of the author's name recognition or those who have an interest in hip-hop culture.-Ellen Norton, White Oak Library District, Crest Hill, IL

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