Armed with only his kalimba, Joshua doesn't think he's going to make much of an impression in the talent show--especially after he sees the way classmates Kareem and Shamika boogie. But a generous gift from Uncle Zambezi--an African mask that grants wishes--changes his mind; after turning himself first into Kareem, then into a famous rap star, and finally into the mayor (``someone the kids would all respect''), Joshua reverts to being himself just in time to rescue the show from disaster and brings the audience to its feet. Rich's full-page acrylics place Joshua in a cleaned-up inner-city neighborhood; warm colors and occasional comic touches (a dog watches bug-eyed as Joshua switches instantly from ``Righteous Rapper'' to gray-suited official) reflect the happy tone. A sturdy picture-book debut for both author and illustrator. Brief explanatory afterword. (Picture book. 6-8)
