"I see the rhythm. I see the rhythm of our beginnings. I feel the pulse of a people and a land in harmony. I hear the legends told by the drum, the beats of our beliefs, the music of our ancient history..." From its roots in Africa and slave songs, to the birth of the blues, ragtime, swing, jazz, and gospel, to rhythm and blues, rock and roll, hip hop, funk, and rap, Toyomi Igus and Michele Wood trace the history of African American music. Ms Igus' lyrical free verse, rich in imagery and magic, is powerful and evocative as it swirls creatively around the page, and is complemented by Ms Wood's stunning illustrations, full of emotion and drama that captures both the feel of the music and the times. Each two page spread also includes a brief description of the musical style, and a marvelous timeline that sets that musical period in its larger, historical context. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, I See The Rhythm is an inspiring feast for the eyes and ears that celebrates African American music and brings it to life on the page, and is a terrific introduction that shouldn't be missed.

This is an excellent resource for the classroom. It depicts the history of African American music from Africa to rap/hip hop with vibrant art work matching the electric words! Wow!

This book is a great book to include in a public library, home library, or school library. This book can be incorporated in many areas of learning. The author does an excellent job discussing the historical and physical features of African American music. Reading the book is like going on a musical journey. Some of the music types discussed are; jazz, ragtime, blues, gospel, and bebop. Each music type is well described, and Michele has included in each musical description a timeline, important figures associated with the music, and sample lyrics. Michele Wood also includes an activity in the book. She has put a little girl in each scene, and the reader has to locate her. It is not always easy. The little girl represents Michele when she was growing up. I highly recommend this book to young and old. Michele Wood has done an excellent job writing an interesting and informative book.

Toyomi Gibson writes about the two most important and influential Mesdames Gibsons in her life. One is her mother who is Japanese and the other is her paternal grandmother who is black. She draws beautiful contrasts and cultural bonds between the two women; for example she describes the Japanese dinners her mother makes and the soul southern cooking she enjoys when she eats with her grandmother. Her mother is delicate and petite; her grandmother is husky and stout. Her mother is known for her quiet anger whereas her grandmother has a booming voice that she also uses for singing in church.

Both women encourage the young Toyomi to explore her rich ancestry; her mother has kimonos tied with obi sashes for her to play dress up in and her grandmother has a wide collection of hats she wears to church.

Although the two women look nothing alike and have contrasting expressions, they both love Toyomi and her father.

I can't recommend this one highly enough.

I am a biracial adult as well -mixed with Japanese and white American. I have been searching for biracial childrens' books for a long time. This is by far the BEST one I have found! Great story, great illustrations! I love it!

This is a fabulous book that explores the differences within a multi-cultural, multi-racial family (African American & Japanese American). Written from a child's perspective, this book focuses on the cultural and physical differences within a family while emphasizing the love the family members share. A positive book that deserves a place on the bookshelf of every preschool and elementary school where educators are concerned about the healthy development of bicultural children.

The story of family history and oral tradition is brought to life by artist/illustrator, Michele Wood. The elements neccesary to convey the use of personal history into the creative process is acheived by the perfect match of text and illustration. This title could be brought to use in several arenas of childhood education; art apprectiation, exploration of the creative process, oral history as well as a springboard for discusion on several levels. Folk art books for children such as this and ones by Mattie Lou O'Kelly, etc. are few and far between. This one should insprire a new generation of folk and naive artists.