Youth Services Book Review
Reviews of current nonfiction, fiction, and picture books by Massachusetts Librarians!
Skip to content
  • Home
  • About Us
  • How it all works
  • Online Book Review Form
← Hello, Bee: Touch, Feel, and Reveal illustrated by Sophie Ledesma
Take a Breath by Sujean Rim →

Darryl’s Dream by Darryl “DMC” McDaniels

Posted on April 12, 2022 by susanh579

Darryl’s Dream by Darryl “DMC” McDaniels (with Sawnee and Johnny Warfield and Adam Padilla), illustrated by Tristan Tait. Random House, 2022. 9780593487747

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5

Format: Hardcover picture book

What did you like about the book?  Hip hop pioneer Run-DMC has become known across the nation for his commitment to speaking with kids about acceptance, responsibility, and self-awareness. In this picture book with a great message, Darryl is a third grader who struggles with self-acceptance and as a result often finds himself the butt of jokes about his “nerdiness” and the fact that he wears glasses. His mom gives sage advice, telling him not to be concerned with others’ opinions but to stay true to himself. That evening, he dreams he can be anything he wants – from a supercharged hot rod to a cool helicopter. Then, he lands in a recording studio and sees an adult version of himself hanging on a portrait wall. He thinks he looks cool in the picture even though he discovers he’s still wearing glasses, even as an adult! His alarm rings, and off he goes to school – invigorated and excited to be himself. Sadly, the bullies do not relent, and torment Darryl as he prepares to perform in the talent show. That doesn’t stop him, though. He nails his performance. Darryl grows up to be none other than Run-DMC, a man who still loves music and continues to teach children to follow their dreams. The illustrations are digitally rendered, and provide a perfect complement to a text that will resonate with all children, especially those who have felt marginalized or different at some point in their lives. It’s an inspiring story that gives hope and builds confidence, something we can all agree is exactly what children need!

Anything you didn’t like about it? No

To whom would you recommend this book?  Elementary aged children will be able to connect with this story. It is perfect for a social emotional learning classroom lesson, or to be read purely for enjoyment. Children will enjoy listening to some of Run-DMC’s age-appropriate music to round out the experience.

Who should buy this book? Elementary or public libraries

Where would you shelve it? Picture books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Linda Broderick, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Northborough, MA

Date of review: April 9, 2022

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...
This entry was posted in *Book Review, *Picture Book, *Starred Review, African Americans, Bullying, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Music, SEL (social emotional learning), Self Esteem, Tristan Tait and tagged Random House. Bookmark the permalink.
← Hello, Bee: Touch, Feel, and Reveal illustrated by Sophie Ledesma
Take a Breath by Sujean Rim →
  • Starred reviews!
  • *Book Review *Picture Book *Starred Review Animals Biography Board book Fantasy Graphic novel Mystery Realistic fiction
  • Recent Posts

    • I Am!: A Book of Reminders by Juana Medina
    • Hope is an Arrow: The Story of Lebanese American Poet Kahlil Gibran by Cory McCarthy,  illustrated by Ekua Holmes
    • My Dad is a Grizzly Bear by Swapna Haddow, illustrated by Dapo Adeola
    • Days Like This by Oriane Smith, illustrated by Alice Gravier
    • Nature is an Artist by Jennifer Lavallee, illustrated by Natalia Colombo
  • Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 509 other followers

  • Archives

Youth Services Book Review
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Follow Following
    • Youth Services Book Review
    • Join 509 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Youth Services Book Review
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Copy shortlink
    • Report this content
    • View post in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d bloggers like this: