Kickturn

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

Lindy has gotten used to life on the road in her parents refurbished school bus. But when the bus breaks down in San Jose, will she finally get to meet her skateboarding idol—and maybe the chance to put down roots, too? This illustrated coming of age novel explores the importance of trying new things and the community you find when you do.

Lindy doesn't love living a nomadic life with her influencer parents in their renovated RV-school bus—but she's used to it. They travel from national park to national park, where her mom creates #yogalife content. Lindy is supposed to be homeschooling, but really, she’s watching her favorite skateboarder on YouTube, day to night.

When the bus breaks down in San Jose, Lindy happens to meet a few local girls who want to take her to a real, live skate park. And when they do, Lindy immediately falls in love. With skateboarding. With having friends that aren’t her cat. With staying in the same place for a little while.

Lindy’s parents want to get back on the road as soon as the bus is fixed—but Lindy is willing to do anything to get them to stay. Even if that means sabotage. Will they ever be able to put down roots? And will Lindy’s parents ever forgive her if they do?

Story Locale:American Southwest and San Jose, CA

About the Author

Author/illustrator of children's picture books, graphic novels, and YA novels, Brie Spangler loves to draw and write stories, and drink massive amounts of caffeine. Writing down the ideas in her head was scary as a kid, so she turned to making pictures instead. Brie worked as an illustrator for several years before she began to write and immediately became a frothing addict. Her YA novel Beast was nominated for a Lambda Award and was named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Brie now lives in the Bay Area with her family.

Author Residence: San Jose, CA