Skateparks: Grab Your Skateboard ANNOTATION
Describes the history of skateboarding parks, discussing some of the top parks through the years.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - John D. Orsborn
Skateparks began as a way to take skaters off the street and give them a controlled environment where they could practice and perfect their sport. Parks disappeared in the late 80s and early 90s when suits from injuries became too expensive for the park owners. However, changes in laws and the need for parks have sparked a rebirth. Matt Doeden describes how parks began and why they are so popular now. He provides young readers with insight into the different types of parks and their elements. The author then goes on and writes about some of the most popular parks in the United States. A real plus is the page where Doeden gives pointers on how skaters can get a skate park built in their cities. Numerous photographs and clear and concise explanations make this a great book about skateboarding and a good book for the reluctant or beginning reader. A glossary and pages of sources for further reading along with a list of Internet sites complete this book. 2002, Capstone Press, Ages 5 to 10.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-7-These titles are geared toward high-interest, low-vocabulary readers. In the first title, Doeden describes elements found in a skatepark, such as ramps, stairs, and obstacles. There is a page dedicated to "park rules" as well as suggestions for readers on how to go about getting a park built in their own area. The topics in Hoena's book include the history of the skateboard and information about its different parts. Each book ends with a page of five or six words to know, two "Useful Addresses," three Internet sites, and three books for further reading (two of which appear in both books). These titles are a little dry as they simply deal with equipment and skateparks and make no mention of tricks, skating slang, etc. Additional items at best for libraries with a great demand for material on this topic.-Rachel Fox, Port Washington Public Library, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
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