Black Music Is is a poetic love letter to Black music and history, through the ears of Bebop the cat. The book is recommended for ages 8-12, and is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about music, and sharpen their knowledge of Black history.
 
Black Music Is weaves poetry and pop-surrealist illustration, teaching readers about icons like Big Mama Thornton, BB King, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Max Roach, Prince and Alice Coltrane. It also mentions modern-day musicians Our Native Daughters, Saba, Rapsody, Big Joanie, Black Thought, and more. 
 

In the book, Bebop the cat plays records by Black musicians in five genres: blues, hip-hop, rock, bluegrass, and jazz. Follow Bebop on a journey through American music history. Every record takes the cat to a different colorful sonic world. 
 
The picture book was written by Marcus Amaker (Charleston, SC's first Poet Laureate) and illustrated by celebrated artist Nathan Durfee.