Skate Freak (Orca Currents)
Insights gained atop a skateboard lead young Quinn to take charge not only of his own life but those of his separated parents, too. A sudden move into town with his unemployed father leaves Quinn feeling like an outsider—even in the local skating park, where, despite his expertise, he gets a cold reception and is pushed into falls by a bully. Being a loner and a chronic underachiever, he is headed for failure in school, too. Then he meets Jasmine, a fine skateboarder herself, who sees something in him and offers to help with his schoolwork. Weathering challenges gives Quinn the confidence he needs to get his academic act together and to persuade his parents to give their relationship another try. This is a decidedly purposeful tale, but kids will relate to both Quinn’s troubles and solutions. Though thin on skateboard action and lingo, the book’s small trim size and brief chapters may draw reluctant readers. Grades 6-8. --John Peters--This text refers to theLibrary Bindingedition.