Doo-Wop Pop by Roni Schotter, illustrated by Bryan Collier

HarperCollins, 2008

Recommended readers – 4-8

Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review

This book is a must-read. Five kids in elementary school who try to disappear into the woodwork are handpicked by a school janitor (Doo-Wop Pop) to make some music. In the process of finding five-part harmony, they find their voices, their confidence and their presence. It’s a winning tale.

Description from publisher

Elijah Earl is used to keeping to himself. But he’s not the only quiet one—Alishah hides behind her head scarf, Jacob twitches out of sight, Luis hides behind a book, and Pam Pam is the shyest of them all. It is not until the school janitor they call Doo-Wop Pop steps in that things begin to change for these shy students. Doo-Wop Pop, who was once an a cappella star, helps them form an unlikely doo-wop group, teaching them to be-boppa bold, be-boppa brave, and come-a, come-a, come-a outta the cave. By making music together, Elijah and the others form lasting friendships and discover talents they didn’t even know they had!

Buy this book on Amazon.com