Let's Go!: Haw Êkwa!

A Sheila Barry Best Picturebook of the Year
*A 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Book!
A 2025 Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended Title!
A Kirkus Reviews and Horn Book Magazine* Best Book of 2024!
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book of 2024!

"Gives the viewer the sense that not only is the world big, but its bigness impels us to keep going."-Juanita Giles, The New York Times

"Beautifully highlights the value of perseverance along with the joy of skateboarding."-Horn Book STARRED Review

"Perfectly sums up the feeling of embarking on something new and also the determination to try again after a setback."-School Library Journal STARRED Review

"[R]eminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats … a beautiful job of capturing the grace and speed of skateboarding."-Youth Services Book Review STARRED Review**

Let's Go! is an extraordinary book that celebrates skateboarding, family, and community, from beloved artist and author Julie Flett, a winner of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book Award.

Every day, a little boy watches kids pass by on skateboards, and dreams of joining them. One day, his mother brings a surprise: her old skateboard, just for him! haw êkwa! Let's go! Together, they practice on the sidewalk, at the park, in Auntie's yard-everywhere. But when it comes time to try the skatepark, the skateboarders crash down like a waterfall. Can he find the confidence to join them?

Let's Go! features:

• A glossary of Cree words featured in the book, and a Cree refrain (haw êkwa!) repeated throughout
• A note to the reader from Julie Flett about her inspiration for the story

This fun and touching story is a tribute to family, friendship, and perseverance. Julie Flett's renowned art and powerful text shows a community of support is all around, ready to help each other… go!