Kicks

February 28, 2022
A young sneakerhead extols the virtues of brand-new kicks in this picture book ode to “magic for your soles/ and soul.” Carrying saved “shoe money” in a Mason jar, dark-skinned Joshua—whose room is lined with shoe boxes and related posters—hurries to a shop to acquire an “ELECTRIC” pair of Air Max 3’s. Having donned them, Joshua goes out for a wander, head held high—past a shoe store line, across a park’s honeycomb-patterned path (“Leather not creased, tight laces,/honeycomb bottoms sweet on the floor”), and to a playground full of kids in sneakers (“Heat for your feet,/ gloves for your toes”). Making his children’s book debut, poet Garrett employs short lines and kid-friendly metaphors to convey how “NEW KICKS feel like/treats for your feet./ Cereal in your biggest bowl.” In unlined digital art that references Jean-Michel Basquiat, meanwhile, Brown (Who Are Your People?) portrays a vibrant cityscape populated by a stylishly sneaker-clad community of color with varying skin tones and body types. Though the creators suggest that kicks can be “Legendary./ Like LeBron and Jordan.// Danica, Serena, and Simone,” they also hint at their day-to-day utility—“Kicks help you shine.../ even when you have/ a shoestring-tight allowance”—in this sure-footed portrait of sneaker culture. Ages 4–7. Author’s agent: Emily Mitchell, Wernick & Pratt. Illustrator’s agent: Christy Ewers, CAT Agency.

March 15, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 Joshua, a young Black boy, saves up to buy a new pair of sneakers, an important fashion item about which he enthusiastically educates readers. "New kicks should be legit. / Not busted, hard, or old. / Magic for your soles / and soul." He beams with pride as he sports his new shoes at school, giving sock-styling tips to create the perfect look. He even discusses sneaker culture and points to inspiration drawn from famous athletes, such as LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Serena Williams. Kicks are to be worn every day, helping you to "leap, soar, run, and play." Brown's lively digital illustrations radiate Joshua's passion for his shoes and the confidence and pride he feels while wearing them. It's an upbeat, affirming story that works especially well for #RepresentationMatters and Black Boy Joy collections. Complementary books include Floyd Cooper's Jump! From the Life of Michael Jordan (2004) and Derrick Barnes' Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut (2017).

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April 1, 2022

Gr 2-6-This colorful, free verse ode to new shoes is a fun celebration of the confidence a new pair of kicks can bring. The rhythm of the poem is enticing and would make for an excellent read-aloud. Key adjectives are in bold and presented in a different font than the main text, which could be useful to highlight descriptive language in a classroom setting. On one page, white text appears on a light gray, mottled background, which could be difficult for some readers to see. The illustrations are bright, bold, and work well to enhance the exuberance of the text. The main character is a young Black boy, and most of the supporting characters are also people of color; the characters are pictured throughout their community paying homage to the great feeling of having new shoes. VERDICT This fun, lyrical free verse poem pays homage to the joy a pair of new shoes can bring, and its colorful illustrations work well to enhance the joy of the experience. A recommended purchase for most collections, especially where poetry is popular or supports the curriculum.-Ellen Conlin

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