Questlove is finding more and more ways to inspire Black youth. Whether it’s through his timeless classics with his band The Roots or winning Oscars for beautiful depictions of the Black existence, Quest always has the youth in mind. This time around the six-time Grammy winner has found yet another way to inspire young Black kids with the release of his new novel The Rhythm of Time. Despite it being out since Tuesday (April 18), the young adult novel has already found its way into Amazon’s Top 5 best seller list under the “Children’s Action and Adventure” section.
The book aims to inspire Black nerds like Questlove who never saw themselves represented in the books he read. In a recent interview with The View, he told the hosts he dedicated the book to his 9-year-old self who enjoyed reading but never saw himself in the books that were available to him. Although the book isn’t autobiographical, Quest uses his Philadelphia upbringing as inspiration. He told the hosts “I want Black nerds to see themselves as well.”
Questlove Opens Up About New Novel
The Rhythm of Time follows seventh-grader Rahim Reynolds and his friend Kasia Collins, who spend their time building all sorts of crazy gadgets. Rahim is then transported back to 1997 after getting his hands on one of Kasia experimental cell phones. He must find a way back to the present while dodging nefarious obstacles and roadblocks. Questlove collaborated with New York Times bestselling author S.A. Cosby to create the novel, recommended for ages 10 and up (we’re all kids at heart). This is Quest’s sixth publishing venture, the 260-page bestseller is available on hardcover for $16 on Amazon.
In addition to his new book, Quest is also taking his talents to big screen yet again. He’ll be directing a live-action hybrid adaptation of Disney’s classic Aristocats. This will be his feature film directorial debut, and the movie is expected to be a live-action hybrid rendition of the classic film. Questlove will serve as the executive producer alongside co-producers bandmate BlackThought, Shawn Gee, and Zarah Zohlman. Have you read Quest’s book yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below.