Starred Review Touch the Sky

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Praise for Touch the Sky by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic, illustrated by Chris Park:
Booklist Editor’s Choice
A Kirkus Best Picture Book
NPR Best Books of the Year
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids

Vern longs to be one of the kids who swoop until their toes touch the sky. He heads to the swings and desperately tries to pump his legs, but he just can’t get it. A chance encounter with precocious (and hilarious) Gretchen gives him just what he needs to know, and he finally learns to soar.

A story for every child on the cusp of learning something new who just needs an extra push to get there.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-7284-6045-1
$14.24
979-8-7656-1191-3
$23.99
979-8-7656-4902-2
$34.99
979-8-7656-4904-6
$6.99
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Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2024-05-07
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039090, JUV039060, JUV039140
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Guided Reading Level M
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Awards

  • Notable Award ALA Notable Children's Book, Winner, 2025
  • Notable Award Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended Title, Commended, 2025
  • Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices, Winner, 2025
  • Notable Award Booklist Editor's Choice, Winner, 2024
  • Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books, Winner, 2024
  • CYBILS Award Nominee, Nominated, 2024
  • Notable Award NPR Best Books of the Year, Winner, 2024
  • Notable Award Kirkus Best Children's Book of 2024, Winner, 2024

Reviews

Starred Review Booklist

“This is a book that soars on multiple levels, grounded in the sense memories of the playground while not only serving as a practical guide but also capturing the challenge, excitement, and wonder of conquering your first swing.”—starred, Booklist

School Library Journal

“This lovely, dynamic picture book would be an excellent choice for libraries needing stories about the path of learning, step by step, the small joys along the way, and sharing in that joy with others.”—School Library Journal

The Horn Book Magazine

“Readers of all ages will relate to Vern’s experience of mastering something new, all the stops and starts included. Lucianovic’s vigorous text captures the joy of soaring high into the sky on a swing . . . Park’s illustrations are magnetic, drawing viewers’ eyes to each page.”—Horn Book Magazine

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“This is a wonderfully engaging and supportive must-read about personal growth through persisting, trying again, succeeding, and helping others pitched perfectly to resonate with the target audience’s age, context, and interests. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature

Starred Review Kirkus Reviews

“Lucianovic demonstrates a keen, child-friendly understanding of what it’s like to master a new skill. . . The energetic, loosely drawn mixed-media illustrations zing with color. . . It’s swing, hit, and no miss with this rip-roaring charmer.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews