My Dad Is a DJ
What’s inside...
National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine teams up with Keith Henry Brown on this lyrical picture book that celebrates music and Black identity. Trevor’s dad is a DJ who always picks the best music, earning him the title DJ Dap Daddy. However, after his parents split up and his dad moves out, Trevor feels disconnected as he embraces hip-hop while his dad clings to old soul favorites. With the end-of-year dance approaching, Trevor and his father must find a new groove to connect and get the party started. 'My Dad Is a DJ' is a lively story about a father and son’s shared love of music and each other.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most exciting part about being a DJ?
How does the story show the relationship between the child and their dad?
What kind of music would you like to play if you were a DJ?
How do you think the dad in the book uses music to express his feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the book to their own experiences by asking them about their favorite music and how it makes them feel. Highlight the emotional aspects of the book, discussing how music can influence emotions and bring people together. Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and how it adds to the story, fostering observation and interpretative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of diversity
Explanation: The story showcases the vibrant, diverse world of music that the dad, a DJ, introduces to his child, representing various cultures and genres.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and enjoy diverse cultures and people they meet, mirroring the way different music styles coexist harmoniously.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: Through the dad's role as a DJ, children see how creativity is expressed by mixing music, creating new sounds, and entertaining audiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their creative sides in art, music, writing, or any form of expression, understanding that creativity can be a career or a passionate hobby.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: The book illustrates the dad's dedication to his craft, from practicing his sets to performing at events, underlining the hard work behind the scenes.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving goals, whether in academics, hobbies, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Strong family bonds
Explanation: The narrative highlights the supportive relationship between the child and their dad, showing how they share experiences and learn from each other.
Real-World Application: This can help children value and foster strong, supportive relationships within their own families and communities.
Example Lesson: Passion and career
Explanation: It's shown how the dad has turned his passion for music into a viable career, inspiring both joy and a means of living.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate that with passion and hard work, they can pursue careers in areas they love and enjoy.