About Modello Brown
Growing up in Englewood, Chicago — a place of limited opportunity and notorious for being one of the most dangerous cities — Modello knew he had to pursue his dreams to develop the desired future. His enthusiasm for various art forms, such as music, animation, drawing and painting, drove him to strive for success.
In 2016, he started his journey as an underground hip-hop and R&B artist hoping to succeed. Despite coming from an underprivileged background, Modello’s ambition gave him the power to transform his dreams into reality. During this time, he discovered that despite their shared passion for music and culture, different people often exist on opposite sides of the spectrum. But with determination and optimism, Modello was able to turn his dreams into reality.
Working as an underground artist, the realization hit; music and culture stand poles apart, even though similar souls long to be unified. While in a recording session, Modello realized the need for togetherness. Among other things, Modello believes music is one force strong enough to tether communities together, and thus, Hip Hop Littles was born.
Books:
Nona’s Nerves (December 11, 2023)
Jordan’s First Day (April 6, 2023)
Your biggest literary influences:
Rick Ross, Maya Angelou, Roald Dahl
Last book read:
The Perfect Day To Boss Up by Rick Ross
Your favorite literary character:
My favorite character would be Rian Carter from my brand Hip Hop Littles. He’s loyal and is all about seeing his closest friends elevate in every aspect of their aspiring goals. His urge for popularity drives him to do very spontaneous actions that seem horrible in the beginning, but tends to be the best for the next person.
Currently working on:
Nona’s Nerves
Words to live by:
“My story only gets better cause I know the author.”
Advice for aspiring authors:
The sky is just the view, it should never be the limit.
Testimonials
” What a fantastic book, and sadly very much needed in today’s society. Being from a mixed family, we were unaware of how cruel the world was regarding the color of our skin and how others viewed us. I think this book is necessary and can prepare our kids for the ignorance that, unfortunately, they may have to face one day. My daughter and I both enjoyed the book, and we look forward to reading the next one!
- Verified Purchase (April 12, 2023)
” Love love this book. My daughter will be starting school soon for the first time. So it was exciting to read about another child also starting school for the first time. I really loved how each of the characters were from a different race and they all have things they enjoyed doing like Wan loves photography. Also was a great insight on how colorism affects kids just as young as Jordan. My daughter couldn’t get enough of the pictures. I'm excited to see what this group “hip hop littles” will be up to next.
- Verified Purchase (March 30, 2023)
” I have been a teacher for 20 years and have yet to come across a book like this one. Jordan’s First Day sheds light on children’s struggles with fitting in and being comfortable within their skin. Jordan was an insistent hit with my students because he was relatable. Being from New York City, often referred to as a “Melting Pot,” needs more diverse books like Jordan’s First Day. I can’t wait for the next book.
- Verified Purchase (March 30, 2023)