I loved how this book raised topics of anxiety and really gave great descriptions and visuals for the anxiety being like a swarm of buzzing bees. The authors note at the end of the book was touching, as was the entire story. Reflection questions at the end really add value to this title and extend the discussion and reflection on topics of anxiety, nervousness and fitting in. A perfect title for the classroom or for any nervous, anxious or neurodiverse kid in your life to feel seen.

This is a great addition to the SEL books that help kids identify and overcome anxiety (like Piper Chen Sings). The main character is likeable and relatable, and the reader is immediately on his side. Fellow student Aria emerges as a wise hero. The illustrations are vivid and skillful, whether James is being carried away by the swarm of bumblebees feeling or the glowing music is reaching out to him. Can't wait to put this on the bookshelf for young students to find. I also appreciate the back matter, both the discussion questions and the author's personal note.

This was a cute story about finding yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. I liked how James was influenced by music. I also enjoyed how he described nervousness as busy bees. I also loved the illustration. How there were so many different races and cultures displayed on the pages.

Cute book. I like how the author discussed anxiety as an early stage. Although this is younger than my target audience I will be purchasing for friends.

Excellent book for young people
Thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity to read and enjoy this wonderful book

When you find your circle, it helps with dealing with your anxiety.

I really loved reading this book which deals with a little boy’s anxiety to speak up even when he’s right and needs to. He has difficulty with expressing himself and getting close to his classmates. However, when he finds the right people who understands him he is opening up more and gets more social.

The writing and the illustrations get along perfectly. Such a good storybook that will help the young ones dealing with similar issues.


Thank you, Free Spirit Publishing, for the ARC.

James learns that he can work through the anxiety he feels when speaking to a group by transforming the words into music and rhythm. We can all learn to work through and talk about the things that make us anxious.
The illustrations by Anastasia Magloire Williams are simple, personalized, imaginative, colorful, and fun.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school, hospital, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Teacher Created Materials | Free Spirit Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date Oct 22 2024

Thank you Netgalley and Ty Chapman for the ARC.

James Finds the Beat tells the story of a young boy who discovers that when he uses music and rhythm his anxieties surrounding communication go away.

This is an encouraging and hopeful picture book for any kid who finds socialising or the traditional school system anxiety inducing.

I'm honestly quite impressed with James, because I don't remember being smart enough to freestyle at that age (or at any age!).

I loved this book but my kids loved it even more. My oldest child has issues coping with anxiety and finding ways to verbalize this and this book was such an amazing conversation starter. I've already recommended it to friends and a few teachers who I know will love working this into their curriculum. Absolutely amazing!

This book is awesome for kids with social anxiety! James learns to come out of his shell using music with the help of fellow classmates. By the end of the book James is comfortable speaking up in class and sitting with peers at lunch. Loved the questions at the end.

What I liked: A story that includes the value of rap music; recognizes how schools can be intimidating; BIPOC representation in main characters and supporting characters.

What I didn't like: It's a picture book, but with tween characters...which is an odd combo. I'm not sure who you'd buy this book for. Picture books readers would find the mature characters too old, and middle grade readers would find it too childish.

Overall, I might purchase the title for one of my libraries, but no more.

LOVED this book! It highlighted social anxiety and ends with a positive author's note encouraging each and every one of us to "find our beat"

This was a cute book with a nice message. The drawings were very good.
This book may help kids understand their nervous feelings and may give them a way to cope, like James did in the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Teacher Created Materials for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of James Finds the Beat by Ty Chapman due to be published October 22, 2024.
James is great at tests and homework, but speaking up in class? Nope – he gets “the bumblebees” – anxiety. The only thing that calms the bees is music. Can James calm his anxiety with some new friends and music?
One reason I wanted to read this is because my son, even though grown, suffers from social anxiety and did as a child. I loved the way James found some new friends who shared his love of music and helped to calm him down as well as feel welcome at school.
The questions in the back of the book also make for great discussion!
#NetGalley #TyChapman #TeacherCreatedMaterials #JamesFindsTheBeat

"James Finds the Beat" is a great story of building confidence in unexpected strengths. For a lot of kiddos facing anxiety in social environments like school, I think reading this book would be a benefit - while every student may not find their crew and confidence through a beat like James, knowing they too could find a place where they belong and their own bumblebees buzz less and less in their belly could be a great comfort. As always, I am a huge fan of the Questions to Think and Talk About at the end, especially the one reflecting on what Mr. Brown, James' teacher, could have done differently. As a teacher, I always have to remind myself that most student actions have a purpose, like pencil tapping, and instead of getting annoyed, I need to work with the student to understand the cause so I can support them and, in James' case, build them up.