Chapter 1 Dot Dot Dot
J. Dot is from New York City. But this summer, he’s far from home. Why am I stuck out here? My phone does not even work. Back home, I have things to do and friends to hang out with. But there’s not much to talk about or do with my grandmom and grandpop. “J. Dot! Dot! Dot!” his grandmom and grandpop shout. J. Dot is playing loud hip-hop music on his headphones so he can’t hear them.
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Boom. Boom. Bap. Boom. Boom. Bap. The beat in J. Dot’s headphones inspires him to begin writing in his notebook.
I’m far from home, and sitting by this lake. It’s boring out here, and I made a mistake. I want to go back to New York City. The home of hip-hop…
J. Dot gets stuck. He shuts the notebook and takes off his headphones. He hears his Grandpop’s voice. “J. Dot! Dot! Dot!”
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Grandmom Ann grins at J. Dot. “Hello Dotty.” “Grandmom, you know my hip-hop nickname is J. Dot. Dot is okay but never Dotty. I hate that.” Grandmom Ann chuckles. “I know, but it got your attention, didn’t it? What are you working on?” “You wouldn’t understand, Grandmom. I want to make a new song but it’s hard to write here. I miss the sounds of the city.” J. Dot passes her the notebook. Grandpop Jon leans over to read along. Then he takes the notebook to get an even closer look. “Wow, you are quite the rapper if I say so myself. How about I help you complete this song by adding a few lines?” Grandpop Jon strikes a pose as if he is holding a microphone.
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“Grandpop, it’s not funny. I was trying to make a new song but I’m stuck. It’s writer’s block.” “I understand what writer’s block is, J. Dot.” Grandmom spins and poses with her arms crossed. Then she and Grandpop giggle and hug. “What is so funny? Stop making fun of hip-hop.” Grandmom responds, “We are not making fun. For your information, we were there when hip-hop was invented!” “That’s right! In 1973, your Grandmom Ann and I were there when all of a sudden . . .”
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