Lindy is not your average fifth grader. She homeschools and has spent the last two years with her parents living a nomadic influencer lifestyle – taking their renovated school bus (or “Skoolie”) to various national parks. Her parents are always busy doing staged photo shoots, and repairing the Skoolie as it breaks down from time-to-time. Lindy is often asked to dress up and pose for promotions (the analytics show that the followers like content with Lindy), but all Lindy craves is a normal life. Her parents are disengaged – and don’t know that Lindy spends most of her time watching skateboarding videos instead of doing her school work. One day, the Skoolie breaks down in San Jose, and the duration of the repairs forces the family to stay put for a while. Lindy quickly finds a group of girls to skateboard with, and with that she finds passion in a new hobby and the comforting feeling of community. Unfortunately, once the repairs on the Skoolie are complete, Lindy’s parents are insistent on leaving. Lindy is desperate to stay – and makes the decision to sabotage the bus repair. After an honest and confrontational family meeting, Lindy’s parents realize that the nomadic influencer lifestyle may not be what’s best for their family, and (with the help of their newfound community) figure out how to set down some roots and stay a while.

The text and illustrations within Kickturn feel like a sketchy and authentic journal entry, fully connecting the reader to what Lindy is going through. The story includes plentiful details about skateboarding (from the parts of the skateboard, to technique and different types of tricks). This is an engaging coming of age story that would resonate with many young readers. Recommended for ages 8 to 10 (3^rd through 5^th grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell