Parents' Guide to

Let Me Hear a Rhyme

By Barbara Saunders, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Teens try to make murdered friend a rap star in fun caper.

Book Tiffany D. Jackson Friendship 2019
Let Me Hear a Rhyme Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

When LET ME HEAR A RHYME begins, it's 1998 and mourners have gathered in their Brooklyn neighborhood to remember Steph, a teen rapper who was murdered. His sister, Jasmine, and friends, Quadir and Jarrell, are determined not to let Steph's music die with him. Posing as his managers, they get his work produced in a studio, played on the radio, and get him signed to a label -- all while trying to solve the mystery of his death.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This fun caper is full of admirable, lovable characters, and despite some dark subject matter -- gang violence, drug dealing, and the difficulty of rising from poverty -- it's uplifting and hopeful. Let Me Hear a Rhyme is Tiffany D. Jackson's third novel, and her mastery of her craft is apparent. She has a great ear for dialogue; the Brooklyn teens speak and narrate in authentic dialect. The point of view alternates among the three main characters, and the story is easy to follow through the different accounts. Each individual seems fully developed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the teens and families in Let Me Hear a Rhyme aim to improve their lives. One student is applying to a better school. Others hope to make their friend a star. One considers joining a gang. What's the appeal of that, and why does she hesitate?

  • Let Me Hear a Rhyme is set in the context of the crack "epidemic" in urban areas. How have attitudes about drugs, alcohol, and smoking evolved over time?

  • The story is told through the voices of three different teens. How does this help you understand their world? How does the voice of the girl differ from that of the boys?

  • The kids tell the story in the dialect of their Brooklyn neighborhood. That includes slang and also a lot of cursing. Why do you think the author made that choice?

Book Details

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