Touch the Sky

PreS-Gr 3–Vern, with skin the color of egg yolks and rainbow-streaked long hair, really wants to be able to swing like the big kids, but he can’t quite get the hang of pumping. He gets some advice from Gretchen, a skilled swinger with walnut-colored skin and curly hair, and finally, he can soar! This is an energetic book about growth mindset; at first a new skill is difficult, but with practice and persistence, anything can be accomplished. The brightly hued, energetic artwork is a perfect match for depicting both the frustration and persistence of Vern and the optimism of Gretchen. The text and the illustrations combine to allow readers to soar along with Vern. Educators will love the message of perseverance and tenacity as well as Vern’s willingness to help others learn his brand new skill.