NNFN2024: This is Skateboarding

‘This is Skateboarding’ celebrates the history of the skateboarding scene, charting its rise from the streets of LA to an Olympic sport. It offers an excellent introduction for those who wish to learn more- or be inspired to take up this hobby.

The book stresses the importance of self-expression, encouraging readers to choose their own style in clothing and skating location as well as creating an individual board. Skating safety- of the individual, other skaters, non-skaters and the environment- is stressed throughout with plenty of advice and tips. A strong sense of community and inclusion is emphasised with information about movements such as the Long Live Southbank group who campaigned to keep the skatepark beneath the Southbank Centre and individuals like blind pro skater, Dan Mancina.

Throughout the book, the development of skateboarding, its clothing styles, board developments and skating spaces are celebrated, from its origins to its recent inclusion as an Olympic event. Famous and influential skaters are acknowledged, with inspirational quotes from some included. Every spread is illustrated in a colourful, vibrant, energetic style, well suited to the topic.

With a detailed glossary to support understanding of technical terms, ‘This is Skateboarding’ would be an excellent addition to any personal or public library, sure to tempt many readers and develop their interest in the world of skating!

This is Skateboarding

Hannah Wilson, illustrated by Peter Phobia

Red Shed ISBN: 978-0008614102

Knowing the Score

Coming home from her Y6 residential, Gemma is really looking forward to seeing her mum. It’s always been just the two of them and they are very close. Deep down, however, Gemma feels she would really like to get to know her Gran and her mum’s brother, Uncle Joe, a bit better, but a mysterious falling out between them and Gemma’s mother makes this impossible. But when her mother is invited on a free holiday with friends, Gemma sees this as a golden opportunity to uncover the truth and put her family back together again.

Family relationships can be difficult with long standing tensions, rivalries and estrangements seeming unfathomable to those on the peripheries. In this excellent story, Ros Roberts explores the complexities of family ‘politics’ in a gentle, relatable manner. Gemma is a very likeable, genuine little girl who has a very close, loving relationship with her mother, but is curious about other members of her family. Her uncle turns out to be a fun-loving, generous, kind man who is delighted to be forming a relationship with her, leaving Gemma even more confused about the secrets she feels her mother is hiding from her. Her reaction as she pieces things together is sensitively handled, enabling readers to empathise with her.

Gemma is not the only one to be experiencing some family difficulties. Uncle Joe’s relationship with his girlfriend, Lexi, and her daughter, Minxie and Minxie’s relationship with her parents show the complexities of blended families and children navigating a path between separated parents.

Tennis is new to Gemma and although initially reluctant, she decides to have a go and ends up discovering something new which she really enjoys. The story really shows the importance of the focus being on fun in sporting activities rather than children being driven by their own- or their parents’- ambitions.

There is so much to enjoy and explore here with children in upper KS2/ lower KS3. It is a lovely book, sensitively written and full of positivity and hope. Great read!

Knowing the Score

Ros Roberts

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956765