These themes will vary! It could be based off of some book mail I just received, pop culture, something personal to me, a headline from the news, a trend I noticed when I was buying books for my library system, etc. I hope you stick around to see all the themes and book recs I come up with!
Today’s Theme: There’s Poetry in Music!
Between the repetition, rhythm, and sound, music and poetry share a deep connection. In fact, I did a program in poetry for some kids at one time and the only thing they kept talking about was Cardi B. (See the picture on the side of one of their journals lmao) I adjusted the lesson and even showed them some of the hip-hop Llama Llama videos and they were so surprised that I made a connection to reading and poetry. And ever since, when National Poetry Month comes around, I always try to incorporate music and lyrics somehow. And this year, since I don’t have “students” anymore and can just have fun with music inspired stuff, today I’m talking books that have song lyrics as titles! In Myah Ariel’s new book, the title pays homage to the song, “No Ordinary Love” by Sade. In the book the way they fell for each other during rough spots in their lives, it truly wasn’t an ordinary love. I loved this book and I think y’all will too! It’s available now!
So this is actually the book I’m reading for my BIPOC Readers book club. The trope is marriage of convenience. I can’t lie tho, I chose this one because of the title and the cover. Being on target for my book club was just a bonus. I’m still reading it but I like it so far. It starts off really rough tho. (Rough as in what happens to the main character) I think I’m like 10% in and there’s already been like 3 things I’ve highlighted so I think I’m going to like it. The title for this one is lyrics from H.E.R.’s “Damage.” That is my SONG so when I saw the title for K.C. Mills’ book, I knew it wasn’t a matter of if I would read it, but WHEN. [This is out now and available via KU.]
Well, there you go! Here I’m just going to talk about why I grouped these two books together. I hope you enjoyed a look at this small part of the books. For a full synopsis of the book or to add it to your TBR, click the picture and it will take you to their Storygraph. The link on the caption will take you to it’s Goodreads.
For More Books with Titles from Songs:
And yes I purposely did not include Abby’s new book. Why? If she wants to start making 101 ACOTAR references before the reader makes it to page 100, she can do it, but I’m not going to promote it!
To Highlight Another Librarian/Library Worker who incorporates Music into their Programs…..
This week is actually National Library Week! And specifically today is National Library Worker’s Day. From the top to bottom, if you work for the library, you deserve to be celebrated today. So in addition to my Two for Tuesday, I wanted to highlight a librarian I admire, Mr. Billy. I’m a firm believer of meeting kids where they are and making things interesting for them. And as someone who taught poetry with Cardi B to kids, I think its important to show the type of ways he chooses to engage with kids.
He does Hip-Hop story times that the kiddos love! And he’s a huge advocate for Black, Male Librarians. (And oddly enough he works with an old co-worker of mine now lol) I linked his YouTube channel to the picture! Go check out some of his videos and slide him a thank you or Happy Library Worker’s Day!
Have you heard of these two? Did you know there were so many books with song lyrics as titles? Have you read any of them listed here? Did you now today was National Library Workers Day? Let me know in the comments!