The Rhythm of Time
on Goodreads (537)
What’s inside...
In this memoir, Questlove, the drummer and producer of the Grammy-winning band The Roots, shares his life story, from growing up in Philadelphia to becoming one of the most influential figures in music. The book explores his creative process, his collaborations with artists such as D'Angelo and Erykah Badu, and his experiences as a black man in America. Questlove also delves into his obsessive relationship with time and how it has influenced his music and personal life. The book is a meditation on creativity, identity, and the rhythm of life. From the Academy Award–winning, Grammy-winning, and bestselling author Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and the New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby comes this thrill-a-minute middle grade novel, the first in a series of rollicking time-travel adventures that touch on themes of friendship, family, and otherworldly events. Seventh grader Rahim Reynolds loves testing out the gadgets invented by his brilliant friend Kasia Collins. First there were the X-ray glasses and all the trouble they caused. Now there’s the new cell phone she built for his birthday, even though his parents won’t let him have one. But Rahim is excited to use the phone to search for videos of his favorite old-school rap group. What he doesn’t know is the phone has a special battery that interfaces with a secret government satellite, which spells trouble when the phone transports him back to 1997. Almost immediately, he learns what every time traveler before him has: Actions in the past jeopardize the future. With Kasia as his only lifeline to the present, Rahim works with her to get home unscathed, all the while dodging bullies (on his end) and suspicious government agents (on hers). Philadelphia in the late nineties is a new world for Rahim and Kasia, but it is a familiar place for Questlove, who, alongside S. A. Cosby, delivers a high-velocity tale where two best friends discover that sometimes the best beat is the one that brings you back home.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-10
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they experienced changes in time?
What are some moments in your day when you feel time moves differently?
If you could control time, what would you do differently in your day?
How can we help each other stay patient when time seems to be moving slowly?
What do you think the story teaches us about the importance of time?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book with your child, emphasize the feelings of the characters during different times.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with time, like waiting for a birthday or hurrying in the morning.
Use a timer or clock to visually demonstrate different concepts of time mentioned in the book.
Reinforce the value of patience and understanding when time feels slow or fast, tying back to the story’s themes.
Praise your child’s responses to show that their perception of time and its value is respected and understood.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of time
Explanation: The book introduces the concept of time through various rhythmic activities and natural phenomena, allowing children to grasp the passage of time.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to manage their daily activities, such as scheduling playtime and homework.
Example Lesson: Appreciating nature's cycles
Explanation: By exploring the rhythmic patterns in nature, the book teaches children to observe and appreciate the consistency and beauty in natural cycles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to participate in outdoor activities and environmental conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Valuing teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The story highlights characters working together synchronously, emphasizing the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to enhance their social interactions and teamwork in school projects and sports.
Example Lesson: Developing a sense of responsibility
Explanation: Through the characters' roles in maintaining rhythmic balance, the book instills a sense of duty and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand their role in family chores and in maintaining harmony at home or school.
Example Lesson: Cultivating patience and persistence
Explanation: The narrative encourages waiting for the right time and persistently working towards goals, mirroring life's requirements for achieving success.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be patient while pursuing their own goals, whether in academics, hobbies, or relationships.