BuddieRoe’s LOST & FOUND is more than music—it’s an exploration of identity, resilience and redemption. Through raw lyricism and profound storytelling, it speaks to the universal human experience of losing oneself and finding a way back. These themes resonate deeply in literature, where characters grapple with loss, displacement, and healing. Here are nine books—spanning middle grade, young adult and adult—that echo the emotional depth of LOST & FOUND, offering stories of transformation and hope.
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Middle Grade
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai
Lai's work, a novel in verse, tells the tale of a young girl (based on herself) fleeing Vietnam after the fall of Saigon and starting over in America, reflecting themes of loss, displacement, and finding oneself in unfamiliar surroundings with the power of family. The recipient of a National Book Award and Newbery Honors, the free verses are rich in imagery that take the reader beyond the page and into the story, just like our new favorite CP.
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Just as BuddieRoe uses his artistry to explore themes of family, grief, and healing, Tae Keller weaves a magical realist tale that invites readers to confront loss and uncover the deeper truths of their family legacy. Both works remind audiences of the power of storytelling to bridge generational gaps and transform pain into wisdom.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore
BuddieRoe’s commitment to empowering youth through creative expression finds a counterpart in Lolly’s story, where art becomes a lifeline and a tool for healing. This novel emphasizes how creating—whether with Legos or lyrics—can help young people process loss and build something meaningful out of brokenness.
Young Adult
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Like BuddieRoe, Xiomara uses her voice to defy expectations and express her truth. Her journey through slam poetry parallels the transformative power of music, showing how words can challenge societal norms, reclaim identity, and inspire resilience.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
BuddieRoe’s story often confronts cycles of violence and the weight of difficult choices, much like Jason Reynolds’ gripping verse novel. Will’s internal struggle as he decides whether to continue the chain of violence resonates with the call for reflection and change found in BuddieRoe’s lyrics.
This Is My America by Kim Johnson
BuddieRoe’s advocacy for justice and systemic reform echoes in Tracy’s fight for her father and brother. Both narratives use storytelling to address racial inequities and amplify voices seeking change, emphasizing the resilience of families and communities in the face of oppression.
Adult
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
BuddieRoe’s music reflects a commitment to shedding light on systemic injustice, much like Colson Whitehead’s poignant novel. Both works reveal the resilience of those navigating systemic oppression, pushing audiences to reckon with uncomfortable truths while holding onto hope.
There There by Tommy Orange
Through interconnected lives and the exploration of identity, Tommy Orange’s novel mirrors BuddieRoe’s ability to weave personal and cultural narratives into a broader tapestry. Both works celebrate resilience while grappling with loss and the complexities of belonging.
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward
Ward’s story of survival and love amid the chaos of Hurricane Katrina aligns with BuddieRoe’s storytelling, which often centers on finding strength in adversity. Both emphasize the transformative power of community and the unyielding determination to rise above circumstances.
BuddieRoe’s artistry underscores the profound connection between storytelling and resilience, a thread that weaves through the literature highlighted here. These books, like his music, explore themes of identity, justice, grief, and hope, offering a mirror to young people navigating their own challenges. By pairing these narratives with BuddieRoe’s work, we see how art—whether through words or beats—can inspire, empower, and transform. Together, they remind us of the enduring power of creative expression to bridge divides, spark critical conversations, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. - [cayla grace sims, rhyme & reason.]
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About rhyme & reason.
Rhyme & Reason is a dynamic blog and subsidiary of Educational Entertainment, dedicated to bridging the worlds of conscious hip-hop and literacy. Our mission is to empower youth by promoting reading, critical thinking, and creativity through the lens of hip-hop culture. By highlighting the literary depth of hip-hop lyrics and their sociocultural significance, we aim to inspire young readers to explore literature in new and engaging ways. Whether through thought-provoking blog posts, interactive social media content, or collaborative partnerships with artists and educators, [rhyme & reason] offers a space where music, literature, and social awareness come together to create lasting connections and foster a love for learning. Join us as we celebrate the power of words, beats, and storytelling in shaping the next generation of readers.
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