http://www.atlasbooks.com.../01456.htm <----order info or request it at ur favorite bookstore!



Summary

Karé is a young South African Boy who is trying to adjust to a new school in New York City. When his schoolmates tease him because he's different, Karé attempts to change himself in order to fit in. After struggling with peer pressure, Karé finally realizes that in order to earn the respect of his friends, he must love and accept himself first.

About the Author

Common is Grammy award-winning artist widely recognized as one of the most gifted lyricists in hip hop. The critical success of his debut album, Can I Borrow a Dollar? (Relativity) established him as one of the leading voices of "conscious rap" music. With the breakthrough success of his recording, Like Water for Chocolate (MCA) and the hit singles. "The Light" and "Love of My Life", Common has achieved international acclaim and a devote fan base. His latest endeavor, BE, was released Spring 2005. Common is the Founder and President of the Common Ground Foundation which provides support to children with AIDS worldwide; the foundation is also dedicated to students pursuing careers in the Arts. As a spokesperson for Viacom and the Kaiser Family Foundation, Common's voice has reached millions in the fight against AIDS with the "Knowing is Beautiful" and "The Know is Spreading" ad campaigns. As one of the most respected emcees in hip hop history, Common encourages youth of all ages, not only to respect a foundation of hip hop, poetry/spoken word, but also to strengthen their power through reading. Common hopes his books will inspire children to think, write, and own their own voice. Common is a native of Chicago's South Side.



Rap News Network Staff
Rapper and hip hop artist Common, who previously announced the release of a new line of children's books, recently discussed his upcoming three titles plus another book on the subject of AIDS.

The Chicago MC has written two books tentatively titled I Like You, But I Love Me , and ME: Mixed Emotions, in addition to his first book, The Mirror in Me, which is scheduled to be released this fall.

"I'm working on a fourth one dealing with AIDS," Common told AllHipHop.com. "It's called Hug Me, It's Okay."

Common, who had a family member that passed away from AIDS, has been avidly involved in the "Knowing is Beautiful" campaign, which encourages HIV/AIDS prevention and education.

The lead character in the rapper's first book The Mirror in Me is a boy from Africa who moves to New York and battles identity issues.

"He keeps going to the mirror after days of going to school and trying to be something he ain't, and he never sees his reflection until his teacher tells him, 'One day you gon' learn,'" explained Common.

"He went home that night real frustrated and [asked] the mirror, 'Why don't you show me my reflection?' And the mirror is like, 'You can't see you because you're not being you.' So the mirror kind of gave him his lesson and he took it."

The books are meant to instill valuable messages using subjects that children can relate to, according to Common.

His latest critically praised album, BE, currently holds the No. 4 spot on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts.

Let's support Common! The book is awesome, great 4 adults as well as children!

[Edited 10/5/05 17:48pm]

Common is so damn sexy!!!! I love what he's trying to do too with these books. Wish I had some like those while growing up...

Damn I was hip 2 him b4 I heard "The Light" which is the first time I heard his voice and music.

I am learning that he is such a great rapper. I hope to have more and more from him in the coming years. The Electric Circus and Be are higher class...plus the man is just to look at and listen to

yup, very handsome/beautiful man!

and a great artist too

CinisterCee said:[quote]

i don't have that! when was it released?

thanks Cee

missfee said:

yes he is so damn sexy

my favorite kinda sexy; he is insightful, intelligent, spiritual, active in his community, madd talented, all that wrapped up in a beautiful package (ahem) i mean

i hope folx will support his efforts... buy one 4 ur nieces and nephews... the holidays r coming! get on 4 urself 2
[Edited 10/6/05 5:49am]

dolphngin said:

oh! That's his debut album from 1992 on Relativity Records (Fat Joe, Beatnuts).

dolphngin said:

you should meet him in person. he is the genuine article.

CinisterCee said:

Nice.

Common is the man! Chicago's finest!

Stymie said:

I like Common too but his new video is weak and corny