Can't Stop Won't Stop (Young Adult Edition)

This book was fantastic! A comprehensive history of hip-hop: the music, the culture, the activism, the legacy and the future! Including commentary on hip-hop's role in the current political climate, especially surrounding the protests for racial justice and an unforgettable soundtrack!

A perfect adaptation of the original book for young audiences. It's written so that young adults can really understand the history of music and activism. It would be a great companion with a soundtrack.

I had read Chang's book a couple of years ago as I was developing a course on the history of American pop culture at the high school I teach. I thought that there was sections that were so intriguing, and that my students would also find them amusing if I could get the reading to their level. Lo and behold, here's the book. It is fair reiteration of the original (something that does not always occur in YA adaptions). The narrative stays the same, and the organization remains. Dave Cook does a great job taking a higher reading level and reworking it for a younger audience.

My main criticism is sometimes the history is hard to connect, and I think it's especially true for students. If I were to assign the book, I think they would immediately get lost in the first chapter. It is full of a lot of esoteric information, and the connection to hip hop music isn't explicitly made. While I understand it sets up the context, for young readers, it needs to be clear, or they will get lost in the murky details.

As the book goes on, there are pieces of history that I think is fair to say they would not be encountering any other places. Certainly not textbooks, at least. I give this book my endorsement as a teacher, who is consistently trying to find sources of interest for my students. While they may not necessarily need to read the entire book (or Ch. 1), there is quite enough to warrant this to be in a school library or an option for student research.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I so enjoyed reading this book. To preface, I rarely read nonfiction. I've never really found it my thing. Part of that might go back to being a history major in college. I always felt like I "knew enough." However, one of my favorite things is learning more about something that I thought was just common knowledge. Obviously, this book taught me more than I ever thought!

Hip Hop and the creation of rap music is so incredibly interesting. Chang does an excellent job of taking readers through the entire story. Throughout the book, he explains the origins of artists, movements, and how gangs and inner city clubs created hip hop. I found myself pouring over this book and trying to retain as much information as possible. The language in the book is easy to understand for me and probably most YA readers. I also felt that I gained a new appreciation for hip hop music in general. As some who grew up in the late 90's and early 00's, I could connect a lot of what I listened to to the overarching ideas and concepts. I liked knowing more about where the music I enjoyed came from.

This is definitely a book that should grace the shelves of libraries with students or readers who love hip hop and rap music or our current culture. The last section will tie everything together for our generation z readers and honestly everyone else as well.

I thought that I was pretty versed in the origins of Hip Hop, but this book made me realize that I only reached the tip of the iceberg. From the gang history, to the lady MCs, Rapper's Delight, and more. The book does a wonderful job of breaking down Hip Hop's origins and influence in a manner that's attainable for younger minds. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This was a great adaptation for the young generation to learn about hip hop and how hip hop has leant its hand to society through musical and spoken activism.

I LOVED this book! As a Black librarian serving a predominantly white city, I struggle to fill the gaps the local school district leaves in regards to Black history. Don't get me started on what doing Black History Trivia was like in February 2020!

CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP is an excellent resources to educate teens on an important aspect of Black history that's also entertaining. Though the original version of this book is quite old (2004-2005), the writing is engaging and powerful enough to keep readers hooked.

My only quibble is that though this is labeled a "Young Adult Edition," it's better suited to older teens (15-18) than those 14 and younger who might find the flow hard to follow.

Overall, a recommended read.

This narrative tells the history of hip-hop and its growth and roots in Black history, rebellion, and Civil Rights. . It is a must-order for your library.