"One morning, my mom brings home
a bag from Grandma's house.
Her skateboard from when she was my age!
haw ekwa! Let's go!"
A young Cree child watches from his window. Every day, he sees skateboarders pass that window and longs to join them. At home and in the park with his mother, he dreams of riding as the other skaters do. It is a surprise to him when his mother, after a visit to his grandmother, brings home the skateboard that was once hers.
It offers a chance for him to try his skills on the sidewalk, at the playground, on an empty basketball court and at his Auntie's. He does his best to learn, despite many mishaps. After some endless rainy days, it is finally time to head to the skatepark with his mother. It's a busy place, and he's nervous,
"Maybe I'll just watch?
I find a quiet spot."
He isn't alone for long. Two aspiring skateboarders join him to take notice of all that the riders at the skatepark are doing to improve their skills. The three become fast friends with a deep love for this new sport. They pay attention and practice until they get better. Soon, his mom is driving them to all of the skateboard parks they can find in the city, even inviting a new kid to be part of their group. Day in, day out, the boy rides his board with growing skill.
In an afterword, Julie Flett explains to her readers that she was inspired to write this story because of the many skateboarders in her own community and how it has impacted her son's life. She talks about the love of the sport and the time it takes to improve skills. She also introduces Cree words that help to explain the 'flow state' that is a result of hard work and constant practice. Finding a community that allows a person to express himself in such an important way couldn't be more special.
"ha ekwa!"
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