Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer

About this book

The irrepressible Kofi is bubbling with ideas to make money. It’s the 1990s, everyone at school loves music, but the likes of Smash Hits magazine never have the lyrics of TLC, Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg et al. Using Kofi’s sales patter and his best friend Kelvin’s excellent memory, the boys create Paper Jam, a fanzine of song lyrics – and the buzz at school is unreal.

But the latest venture doesn’t make Kofi popular with the teachers, who find him using the school photocopier for Paper Jam. And although Kofi’s scheme at the arcade is also making money, he’s having issues with Leroy, a new friend who’s mean to Kelvin. Where do Kofi’s loyalties really lie? And is the money worth losing a friend over?

Packed with snappy, witty dialogue that crackles off the page, and full of humorous scenes, this is a truly engaging read. The chapters are very short, meaning it feels accessible, and even though it’s set in the 90s, readers will recognise the playground and family dynamics and the realities of life living on an estate. And of course, it’s a love letter to music, and a celebration of how it can speak to everyone.