Kick Push
#1 in Kick Push Series
What’s inside...
Award-winning picture book creator Frank Morrison makes his author/illustrator debut in an exuberant story about being yourself. Epic has tricks you won't believe. He's the kick flipping, big rail king. When his family moves to a new neighborhood, he can't wait to hit the street with his skateboard. But his old moves don't feel fresh without a crew to see 'em. Epic thinks about giving up his board to fit in, but an encouraging word from his dad helps him see that the trick to making new friends is to always be yourself. Be you... be epic! Award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison offers a heartwarming, dynamic celebration of self-expression, inspired by his own journey through fatherhood.
Discussion points
How did Jamal's passion for skateboarding help him overcome challenges?
What do you think made Jamal and Zoe become such good friends?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Jamal helped Zoe?
What other activities besides skateboarding do you think Jamal and Zoe might enjoy together?
How do you think Jamal felt when he first tried skateboarding, and how did his feelings change throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss Jamal's experiences, share a personal story about a hobby or passion you have and how it has impacted your life.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their own experiences and Jamal’s story, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Highlight the themes of perseverance and friendship in the book, asking your child how these themes appear in their own life.
Utilize the vivid illustrations in 'Kick Push' to discuss the emotions depicted, helping your child connect visually and verbally.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist of 'Kick Push' faces various challenges but keeps striving to improve his skateboarding skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve their goals, applicable in academics, sports, or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters support each other in their skateboarding journey, highlighting the value of camaraderie.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of supportive relationships, teaching kids to be good friends in school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse group of characters who share a common interest, promoting an inclusive environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and embrace differences among peers, fostering an inclusive attitude from a young age.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The young skateboarders in the story take responsibility for their actions and learn to make right choices.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of being accountable for their actions, applicable in their daily interactions and decisions.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: Skateboarding is portrayed as a form of personal expression in the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes the idea that children should find and engage in activities that allow them to express themselves creatively.