"In the words of Nas, 'The world is yours,' and for today’s kids, that world is shaped by the stories they read."
For me, storytelling and hip hop are cut from the same cloth. Both are about creativity, expression, and giving voice to experiences that need to be heard. Just like hip-hop revolutionized the music industry, I believe it can transform how we engage and educate the next generation of readers.
Hip hop’s foundation is storytelling. Picture two MCs battling in the park, spinning stories about one another—sometimes fictional, sometimes real, but always captivating. The MCs who could paint a vivid picture with their words, making me see the story unfold in my mind, were always my favorites.
From the moment I was introduced to hip hop, I was hooked, and I never looked back. That’s why it felt so natural to incorporate it into my books. When I write, hip hop is my go-to; it fuels my imagination and sparks my creativity. Listening to beats, tapping into rhymes, and catching the layers of meaning in the lyrics all put me in full creative mode.
Hip hop didn’t just influence my writing; it shaped who I am. Growing up, it was more than music—it was a way to express myself, connect with others, and make sense of the world around me. That’s the energy I channel when I write, and I want kids to feel that same connection, whether they’re reading my books or creating their own stories.
When it comes to children’s books, I believe education and entertainment don’t have to be separate. In fact, the most impactful stories are the ones where kids are having so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning. Hip hop brings that perfect energy—it's vibrant, relatable, and full of rhythm, which keeps kids engaged while subtly delivering important lessons.
For me, the key is creating stories that are as entertaining as they are meaningful. Whether it’s teaching kids about problem-solving, creativity, or celebrating diversity, I always aim to weave those lessons into the narrative in a way that feels natural and fun.
In Dream Big: Peyton’s Hip Hop Adventure, I wanted to create a story that shows kids the importance of following their dreams and passions, even when they’re scared. It’s a lesson that resonates not just with children, but with adults as well. Instead of simply telling the story, I infused rhymes throughout that Peyton writes and performs. Kids love this aspect of the book because it’s fun and engaging, but the underlying message is powerful: self-doubt and fear are normal, but they don’t have to hold you back.
For instance, Peyton encourages readers with the rhyme: "Go out there and give it a try, and you'll see your dreams reach the sky." It’s a simple yet uplifting mantra that helps kids understand that their dreams are within reach if they just take the first step.
Through Peyton’s journey, I wanted to show how she overcomes her fears by working through them, with the support of her family, friends, and of course, her hip-hop rhymes—or as I like to call them, her “bars.” By weaving these lessons into the rhythm of the story, kids not only enjoy the ride but also walk away with a deeper understanding of resilience and courage.
One of the most powerful aspects of storytelling is its ability to reflect the world we live in—and for kids, seeing characters who look like them and share their experiences can make all the difference. For me, it’s important that Peyton, the hero of my stories, is an African American girl who faces challenges with creativity, confidence, and courage.
Where I’m from, hip hop isn’t just entertainment; it’s a way of life. It pumps through our veins and is ingrained in everything we do. By bringing that culture into my books, I’m showing kids that their world, their music, and their experiences belong on the page too. This goes beyond simply telling a story—it’s about making sure kids feel seen and understood, all while keeping them entertained.
Music, especially hip hop, has a unique ability to captivate and connect with young minds. It’s not just about the beat; it’s the rhythm, the wordplay, and the stories woven into the lyrics that make it so powerful. For kids, especially those growing up surrounded by music and culture, this connection is key to keeping them engaged in a story. In my books, I tap into that energy to create stories that feel alive, where kids can see their world reflected in fun and exciting ways.
Incorporating music into learning offers cognitive benefits for young readers, such as improved problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional development. This approach works especially well for children who may not usually enjoy subjects like reading or math. By adding hip hop into the lesson—perhaps through a rhyme that helps them retain information—you can completely transform how they view and engage with those topics.
This is also why I created the Tiny Tales Author Kit, to help kids tap into their own creativity and become storytellers themselves. Through writing, rhyming, and expressing their own stories, kids learn that their voices matter, just like Peyton’s does.
At the end of the day, my goal is to make reading an enjoyable experience for kids while embedding lessons that stick with them. Fun has to come first because when kids are entertained, they’re more open to learning. Whether it’s through a hip-hop rhyme or a clever storyline, I believe kids can absorb valuable lessons without even realizing it.
The beauty of storytelling is that it can evolve with the times, using the power of music and culture to connect with the next generation of readers. Hip hop, like learning, is constantly evolving—its adaptability and rhythm make it the perfect vehicle for inspiring growth and creativity in kids. As hip hop itself continues to evolve, so does the way I bring it into my stories—keeping kids engaged while empowering them to dream big.
Like Jay-Z said, "Remind yourself. Nobody built like you, you design yourself." Through my stories, I aim to remind kids that their dreams are theirs to create and follow, and they have the power to design their own path.
Find more at https://paulaybanks.com/
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Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - November 2024. Downolad the full magazine at:
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