The Electric Slide and Kai

By Kelly J. Baptist, Darnell Johnson
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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 grew up in southwest Michigan, and after living in Alabama, Florida, and Minnesota, she is right back in her home state! The Electric Slide and Kai is her first picture book, but she followed it up with another musical tale, The Band In Our Basement. Kelly is the author of five middle grade novels, including the award-winning Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero and the NAACP Image Award nominated Eb & Flow. She's a huge Kobe Bryant fan and constantly applies his Mamba Mentality to the craft of writing. Kelly is an HBCU grad (Oakwood University) and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. You can visit her on Instagram @kellyiswrite and online at kellyiswrite.com.
Darnell Johnson
Darnell Johnson discovered his passion for art while watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. He pulled inspiration from his childhood, family, and friends to draw life into the characters for The Electric Slide and Kai. He hopes the illustrations draw young readers into a story that encourages them to be who they are created to be. Get out there and do your best. You can visit him online at www.studiojomei.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 / African American & Black
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / Blended Families
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Performing Arts / Dance
  • Themes African / African American / Black / Afro Caribbean, Art / Design, Childhood Experiences / Memories, Persistence / Grit / Overcoming Obstacles, Dance, Families, Fiction, Grandparents, Mentors, Music / Jazz, Realistic Fiction, Self Esteem / Confidence / Body Positivity / Body Image, Social & Emotional Learning / Wellness / Whole Child
  • Languages English

    • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 3.2
  • DRA 34
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 540
  • Lexile Measurement AD540L
  • 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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