Kick Push

Description: "When Epic's family moves to a new neighborhood, he has a hard time making friends and fitting in with his skateboard; but the trick to making new friends is to be yourself!"--

Brief description: FRANK MORRISON is a renowned fine artist whose work was featured in Our Children Can Soar. He has lent his talents to many picture books, including Alex Rodriguez's Out of the Ballpark, Queen Latifah's Queen of the Scene, and Brenda Roberts' Jazzy Miz Mozetta, for which he won the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. He lives in Georgia.

Review Quotes:

"Dynamic perspectives, . . . a lively story that encourages kids to use their strengths and talents to find community." --The Horn Book

"Along with the vibrant images, the author brings to life an encouraging story about new schools and new friends which many students will identify with." - School Library Connection

"Morrison's energetic, brightly hued paintings are rendered in his signature urban mannerist style that also incorporates graffiti and abstract contemporary techniques . . . and the message of being true to yourself and your passions will please young readers." --Booklist

"A beautifully illustrated book about the exhilaration of being yourself. Recommended for all school and public library collections." --School Library Journal

"Viewers can focus on the dizzying angles and color intensity of Ivan's airborne maneuvers, the graffiti vibe that permeates his vibrant urban milieu, and the carefully, credibly cultivated cool of his diverse new crew." --BCCB

"Morrison's upbeat narrative slides along smoothly, mirroring the energy and panache of its protagonist . . . An important reminder that, in the quest for friendship, who you truly are is more than enough." --Kirkus Reviews

"Vibrant. . . If a school pep rally could walk and talk, this kid would be it." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on I GOT THE SCHOOL SPIRIT

"The electric hues, constant motion, and winning smiles that fill Morrison's oil paintings enhance the boundless vitality of this sensory celebration of school." --Publishers Weekly on I GOT THE SCHOOL SPIRIT

"This joyful offering will be a happy addition to any shelf." --Booklist on I GOT THE SCHOOL SPIRIT

"Christmas spirit is expressed in joyous and reflective onomatopoeic exclamations in this new holiday staple. . . . Soul-stirring and sure to put readers in a festive mood." --Kirkus Reviews on I GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

"Morrison's oil paintings capture the crackling energy of a city preparing for Christmas; the married coauthors' message about cultivating kindness, gratitude, and community the whole year through sings on the page." --Publishers Weekly on I GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

"Schofield-Morrison's onomatopoeia-inflected text and Morrison's kinetic, zoomed-in oil paintings enliven various iterations of experiencing 'the spirit' . . . An energetic and uplifting celebration of the season." --Horn Book Magazine on I GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

"The driving beat of debut author Schofield-Morrison's narrative is likely to have readers bouncing and tapping right along with her . . . An upbeat celebration of the senses, self-expression, and camaraderie." --Publishers Weekly on I GOT THE RHYTHM

"The bright palette and vibrant tones of Morrison's loosely painted illustrations echo the energy of the text nicely . . . the book begs readers to sing and move along with this little dancer." --Booklist on I GOT THE RHYTHM