Trevor’s dad is a DJ, and they always used to groove to the same rhythm. But since his dad moved out, Trevor finds it harder to connect with him. Even though they see each other regularly, his dad isn’t staying in tune with Trevor. Trevor’s mom encourages Trevor to talk to his dad, and Trevor uses music to help him say what he has to say by showing his dad that he still appreciates the classics—and him—but is also developing his own tastes, interests, and identity. The love between Trevor and his dad, both Black, is never in doubt in this warm picture book with energetic illustrations and that features an older elementary-age protagonist. (Ages 6-10)

National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine teams up with Keith Henry Brown on this lyrical picture book that celebrates music and Black identity.

Trevor’s dad is a DJ, and he always picks the best music—
tunes jivin’, beat drivin’, high fivin’!
—he’s DJ Dap Daddy!

But after his parents split up and Dad moves out, Trevor feels like the pitch doesn’t fit between them. Trevor has his own music now—hip-hop—and Dad can’t seem to let go of his old soul favorites. As the end-of-year dance approaches, Trevor and his father will have to find their new groove to get the party started.

My Dad Is a DJ is a hip-hoppin’, beat boppin’, tunes poppin’, not stoppin’ story of a father and son’s shared love of music and each other.