Kicks in the Sky

by C G Esperanza (Author) C G Esperanza (Illustrator)

Kicks in the Sky
Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

Pura Belprè Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner C. G. Esperanza delivers color, rhythm, and style in this rollicking tale about everyday treasures turned magical!

Red kicks, green kicks, yellow kicks, blue!

Colorful, psychedelic sneakers hang from telephones wires all over the city. Up in the sky, they hang for all to marvel and see. 

But when a few special pairs get knocked down, the kids have to try them on. Soon they're racing, dancing, leaning to fly! These enchanted sneaks are out of this world--but where did they come from? And who would ever leave these behind?

This joyous book is full of fun read moments--perfect for story time and craft activity inspiration!

Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99

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Kirkus

Starred Review

A book boogie.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2--In this latest picture book by Esperanza, readers are dropped into colorful and dreamlike city scenery, this time to examine a rainbow's array of sneakers dangling by their shoelaces above a lively street. The book explores what happens when those shoes fall to the ground, only to be collected by the local children, who can suddenly dance, skate, and play basketball like seasoned professionals. While neighborhood onlookers take turns guessing as to where the shoes came from, the children play into the night, exploring the streets as much as their own limitless potential. Esperanza's dynamic pastel illustrations are the biggest draw, imbuing the story with mind-bending joy. This title will make for an engaging story time, although not the smoothest read, as the rhymes can be inconsistent and the meter tends to shift from verse to verse. VERDICT A vibrant and magical take on a common urban sight, creating a modern mythology out of the seemingly mundane. A great choice for most shelves. --Alexandra Quay

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review

Joyful, vibrant scenes. This ode to graffiti art offers a fresh take on its role in the beautification of the urban landscape.

Review quotes

[A] fast-paced, entertaining story. The wildly energetic, psychedelic-hued illustrations bring these city scenes to life, and innovative perspectives and angles keep readers guessing what amazing abilities the shoes will bestow next. A strikingly original pourquoi tale in which tennis shoes make life much more interesting. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

[A]n increasingly joyful readaloud. The electric art matches the rhyme's upbeat tempo, with pages saturated in vivid, neon tones that create a riotous, rainbow-colored background for the Black and brown cast to run, race, jump, and fly through. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

PRAISE FOR BOOGIE BOOGIE, Y'ALL: After one listen, the print book will never feel the same, but one listen is surely just the beginning for this standout, immersive, wholly original audio celebration of art, creativity, and imagination. — Booklist (starred review)

C.G. Esperanza's joyous picture book, the graffiti, sounds and scenes of the Bronx are a feast for the eyes and ears. Combined with a rhythm and beat perfect for reading out loud, Boogie, Boogie, Y'all is a party on every page and everyone is invited. — NPR Books

Esperanza establishes a groovy rhythm in this celebration of art and music, set in the Bronx. Adult readers will appreciate nods to Keith Haring and Basquiat, while readers of all ages will enjoy the richly detailed cityscapes. A lovingly rendered, upbeat recognition of contemporary art forms, and a salient reminder to revel in art, culture, and community. — Publishers Weekly

Classification
-
ISBN-13
9780062976239
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date
September 05, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV051000 - Juvenile Fiction | Imagination & Play
JUV003000 - Juvenile Fiction | Art & Architecture
JUV030060 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States
Library of Congress categories
-

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