Kick Push

K-Gr 2–Ivan is an epic skater—in fact, his moves on the board are so jaw-droppingly awesome that even his parents call him Epic. Like the tricks he’s mastered on his board, Epic anticipates mastering the transition to his new school and neighborhood. However, finding new friends that are interested in skateboarding is a bit more difficult than expected, so Epic tries a different approach for fitting in: He tries out the other sports the neighborhood kids play. This, Epic learns, is easier in theory than practice, as he discovers that sometimes fitting in is simply being true to himself. This debut picture book from Morrison features his signature characters with highly expressive movements that capture acutely the feeling of living and thriving in the big city. Epic, an Black boy with a crown of natural hair, soars through the neighborhood on his board in a manner that evokes freedom and pure joy. His skateboard tricks, juxtaposed against a backdrop of focused, multicultural kids engaged in activities they enjoy, send the message that there is room for everyone to pursue their passions.