Kicks in the Sky
What’s inside...
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 telephone wires all over the city. Up in the sky, they hang for all to marvel at. But when a few special pairs get knocked down, the kids have to try them on. Soon they’re racing, dancing, learning to fly! These enchanted sneakers 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!
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Unnamed Main Boy
Discussion points
What did you like most about the adventure in the sky?
How do you think the characters felt when they were up in the sky?
What would you do if you could fly? Where would you go first?
Why do you think teamwork was important in 'Kicks in the Sky'?
How can we work together like the characters did to solve a problem?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask what they would do differently.
Discuss the feelings and decisions of characters, relating them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Use the story's setting to inspire creative thinking; ask your child to describe or draw another adventure that could happen in the sky.
Highlight the importance of teamwork shown in the book and relate it to family or school activities.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story to build comprehension and recall skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in confronting fears
Explanation: The protagonist faces their fear of heights by bravely attempting to recover a lost kite.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and trying new things, despite feeling nervous or scared.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Characters work together to help retrieve the kite, demonstrating effective collaboration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work collaboratively in team settings, be it in sports, school projects, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The lead character takes responsibility for the lost kite and puts in efforts to find it.
Real-World Application: Teaches children accountability for their actions and the importance of taking care of their belongings.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges, the characters keep trying and don't give up on retrieving the kite.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature
Explanation: The story unfolds outdoors, interacting with elements of nature, highlighting the need to respect and care for our environment.
Real-World Application: Promotes environmental consciousness and encourages activities that involve being mindful of our surroundings.