ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
PICTURE BOOKS
Baptist, Kelly J.

The Electric Slide and Kai

40 pp. | Lee | March, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-1-64379-052-7 $19.95
(2) K-3 Illustrated by Darnell Johnson. Kai Donovan, an African American boy whose family members can all dance, feels he doesn't belong because he just can't. The last time he tried the Electric Slide, he knocked his little cousin over. Granddad has given each of Kai's siblings a dance-related nickname--D.J. Groove, Miss Boogie, and Baby Bounce--but so far, Kai has none. When a wedding invitation arrives from his aunt, Kai worries, knowing the Electric Slide will surely happen at the reception. He asks one of his sisters for lessons and practices diligently. On the wedding day, Kai surprises his whole family--and Granddad finally gives him the perfect nickname. Johnson's colorful cartoon illustrations convey the family's verve and exuberance as effectively as they do Kai's worry and concern. Baptist's conversational text gives each character a distinct personality. This uplifting story of one kid's struggle to fit in with his own family will resonate with readers who have similar insecurities. And the centrality of the Electric Slide might prompt readers to turn on the tunes and get their own groove on.
Reviewer: Michelle H. Martin | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2021

RELATED 

PICTURE BOOKS

Born Ready
by Patterson, Jodie
PICTURE BOOKS

The House of Grass and Sky
by Ray, Mary Lyn
PICTURE BOOKS

The Dog's Gardener
by Storms, Patricia
PICTURE BOOKS

And I Paint It
by Kephart, Beth
PICTURE BOOKS

Poem in My Pocket
by Tougas, Chris
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?