The Electric Slide and Kai

By Kelly J. Baptist, Darnell Johnson
Hardcover: $20.95

Kai is the only member of his family who can’t get the dance steps to the Electric Slide right. But Kai is determined to bust a move in this fun and sweet celebration of African American families.

Description

Kai’s aunt is getting married, and everyone in the Donovan family is excited about the wedding … except Kai. The highlight of every Donovan occasion is dancing the electric slide–a groovy line dance with footwork that Kai can’t quite figure out. More than anything, he wants to prove that he can boogie with the rest of his family and earn a cool nickname from his granddad. Can Kai break through his nerves and break it down on the dance floor?

Told with humor and heart by author Kelly J. Baptist and lively illustrations from debut picture book artist Darnell Johnson, The Electric Slide and Kai is a funky celebration with all the right moves!

About the Creators

Kelly J. Baptist
Kelly J. Baptist

Kelly J. Baptist grew up in southwest Michigan, and after living in Alabama, Florida, and Minnesota, she is happy to be right back home in Berrien Springs! She works as a social emotional learning interventionist and is the author of the middle grade novel Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero. Kelly keeps busy with her five amazing children, who often play loud music that leads to epic family dance parties. You can visit her on Twitter @kellyiswrite and online at kellyiswrite.com.

Darnell Johnson

Darnell Johnson is a Miami native who discovered his passion for art while watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. Currently he resides in Alpharetta, Georgia, with his beautiful wife and newborn son. Darnell pulled inspiration from his childhood, family, and friends to draw life into the characters for The Electric Slide and Kai. He hopes the lines, colors, and shapes he makes sparks the imagination of young readers. You can visit him online at artofdarnelljohnson.com.

Reviews

  • * "An all-around wonderful book that will inspire laughter and perhaps even a little dancing."

    - Kirkus Reviews

  • "A simple, sweet story about a small boy's journey to feeling accepted."

    - Booklist

  • "An uplifting story with just the right mix of humor [and] family love."

    - School Library Journal

  • "This uplifting story of one kid's struggle to fit in with his own family will resonate with readers who have similar insecurities."

    - The Horn Book

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781643790527
  • Price $20.95
  • Publication Date Mar 02, 2021
  • Trim Size 8.25 × 10.5 in
  • Weight 0.9375 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Word Count 1244

    • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / Blended Families
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Performing Arts / Dance
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Dance, Diversity, Families, Fiction, Grandparents, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Mentors, Overcoming Obstacles, People In Motion, Persistence / Grit, Realistic Fiction, Social & Emotional Learning

    • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading O
  • DRA 34
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 540
  • Reading Level 3
  • Bebop Reading Fluent

    • Resources

    Author Kelly J. Baptist in Conversation with Editor Kandace Coston
    Author Kelly J. Baptist in Conversation with Editor Kandace Coston
    The Electric Slide and Kai Book Trailer
    The Electric Slide and Kai Book Trailer
    Illustrator Darnell Johnson in Conversation with Editor Kandace Coston
    Illustrator Darnell Johnson in Conversation with Editor Kandace Coston
    The Electric Slide and Kai Teacher’s Guide
    The Electric Slide and Kai Teacher’s Guide

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