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Overview
Kanye West has never been the typical rapper or hip-hop artist. While other rappers are known for their flashy clothes and graphic lyrics, West uses his music to pay tribute to his mother, fight injustice in the world, and spread a positive message.Synopsis
Kanye West has never been the typical rapper or hip-hop artist. While other rappers are known for their flashy clothes and graphic lyrics, West uses his music to pay tribute to his mother, fight injustice in the world, and spread a positive message.
Children's Literature
Gretchen Weicker writes the biography of Kanye West, the popular hip-hop star. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in1977, Kanye Omari West has spent most of his life living up to his name; the name Kanye means "the only one" and Omari means "wise one" in Swahili. His parents were both involved in his life and education; in fact, his mother took a teaching job in China when he was ten years old, and Kanye learned to speak Chinese from neighborhood children. His dad has encouraged him to use his money for good causes. Kanye West has influenced the hip-hop industry by creating a new style. Rather than writing songs about gangs and negativity, he believes that honest words and unusual music sound can change American culture. His lyrics often attack injustice and political issues. He does not even dress in the typical baggy clothes that most hip-hop artists wear; he does not look like a thug, but rather a nerd. The author makes a good point that Kanye West is one of the rare role models out there for children today in a world that is so negative. The book includes a time-line of Kanye West's life and awards, along with a glossary and a list for further information. This book is a good source of information for students looking for more information about this popular hip-hop artist. Reviewer: Shelly Shaffer
Editorials
Children's Literature -
Gretchen Weicker writes the biography of Kanye West, the popular hip-hop star. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in1977, Kanye Omari West has spent most of his life living up to his name; the name Kanye means "the only one" and Omari means "wise one" in Swahili. His parents were both involved in his life and education; in fact, his mother took a teaching job in China when he was ten years old, and Kanye learned to speak Chinese from neighborhood children. His dad has encouraged him to use his money for good causes. Kanye West has influenced the hip-hop industry by creating a new style. Rather than writing songs about gangs and negativity, he believes that honest words and unusual music sound can change American culture. His lyrics often attack injustice and political issues. He does not even dress in the typical baggy clothes that most hip-hop artists wear; he does not look like a thug, but rather a nerd. The author makes a good point that Kanye West is one of the rare role models out there for children today in a world that is so negative. The book includes a time-line of Kanye West's life and awards, along with a glossary and a list for further information. This book is a good source of information for students looking for more information about this popular hip-hop artist. Reviewer: Shelly ShafferSchool Library Journal
Gr 3-5
Quality design, including an interesting color palette, distinguishes these profiles of young celebrities, each of which is illustrated with large, recent color photos. The tone is light but not breathless; the writing is solid, and the authors go out of their way to emphasize positive values. Thus readers learn about America Ferrera taking the bus to auditions, Hilary Duff's charity work, and Kanye West's devotion to his mother. Missing, however, are the technical details that fascinate many kids-how does Miley Cyrus maintain her voice? How does snowboarder Shaun White develop new moves? Readers are highly interested in these talented young people, what they do, and how they do it. These books deliver the "what" in a clean, classy package, but hold back on the "how."