Common Sense Media Review
By Sun Cooper
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Joyful book celebrates skateboarding and Cree language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Beginning with a wistful scene of a boy looking out the window at older boys speeding past on their skateboards, LET'S GO! tells the story of how he moves from dreaming to doing with the help of his mother. The young boy's mom gives him her old skateboard and together they go to the skate park. There, the boy encounters both the challenges of trying something new and being around new people as well as the comfort of a supportive parent and community. Ultimately, he finds confidence in a new sport, himself, and new friends.
Is It Any Good?
Inspired by her family and community of skateboarding, Julie Flett pairs spare words and illustrations—similar to The Snowy Day—to tell about a boy realizing his dream of skateboarding. Let's Go has a soft attentiveness to details that draw a reader intimately into the character's feelings and surroundings, while vibrant, fluid imagery gives it all vitality. This is a wonderful book for all kids and collections, but especially for language development, for young readers who may long to try new things, or for kids who may need encouragement to persevere.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how perseverance plays an important role in the story of Let's Go! When have you persisted when something looked intimidating or difficult?
In the story, the little boy dreams of skateboarding. What is something you dream of trying? Have you tried something before? Does it help to have parents or friends try it with you?
Families can learn and practice saying new Cree words together. Which word means "let's go"? Which word means "liquid"? Which word was your favorite?
In the back of the book, the author Julie Flett talks about the word "flow." What does it mean to find your own "flow state" doing an activity you love? What does it feel like?
Book Details
- Author: Julie Flett
- Illustrator: Julie Flett
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Greystone Kids
- Publication date: May 7, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 8
- Number of pages: 44
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: July 8, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
What to Read Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate