On the Halfpipe with Tony Hawk [Paperback]

Matt Christopher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001 | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Matt Christopher Sports Biographies

Delving into the life of skateboarding sensation Tony Hawk, this biography examines how he began skateboarding at age nine and his performance at the 1999 ESPN X Games, where he astonished viewers by performing a trick thought impossible to do. Illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-Narrator Ramon de Ocampo does a fine job bringing to life this lively celebration of skateboarding superstar Tony Hawk and his misunderstood sport. Credited to the late Matt Christopher but written by Glenn Stout, On the Halfpipe-with Tony Hawk shows how Hawk changed the history of skateboarding. The narrator's clear, understated delivery serves the text well. He doesn't try to sound too "hip," and reads the story with respect and even a certain degree of awe. This approach works especially well in the book's final chapter, a thrilling recap of Hawk's attempts to master a near-impossible move called the 900. Thanks to some exciting writing in this section, de Ocampo helps listeners experience what it must feel like to try this mid-air maneuver. Nothing else in the book matches this passage, but what remains entertains. The first two chapters explore the evolution of skateboarding from a fad that borrowed elements of surfing and rollerskating to the successful industry that it is today. Hawk was not interviewed for this book; the author relies on outside sources to paint a portrait of the skateboarding champ. Listeners learn about Hawk's childhood and his introduction to the sport. Although the book is mostly upbeat, chronicling Hawk's many successes, it doesn't shy away from some of his personal hardships (losing his father, getting a divorce, falling out of favor with the younger skateboarding crowd). Ultimately though, it shows the star landing on his feet and emerging as a successful role model who shatters the stereotype that skateboarders are socially irresponsible misfits. Young skateboarding enthusiasts will enjoy this title.
Brian E. Wilson, Evanston Public Library, IL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

About the Author

Matt Christopher is the name behind more than seventy five sports-themed books for children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316142239
• ISBN-13: 978-0316142236
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.4 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #330,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Winter Sports
  • #56 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Winter Sports
  • #77 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Sports & Recreation

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Lots of glaring mistakes, December 15, 2001

By 

a reader who was let down (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Halfpipe with Tony Hawk (Paperback)

This book was obviously written by somebody who doesn't skate and appears to have never met Tony Hawk. The book is filled with glaring mistakes. It's written that Tony and his wife "started their own family when their daughter, Spencer, was born." Spencer is their son!
There are some falsehoods concerning skateboarding as well. The author says that taller skaters have a more difficult time performing tricks in the air. Most of the best ramp skaters in the world are tall! He also states that Tony learned kickflips on vertical a decade before they were invented!
Save your money and buy a skateboarding magazine with an interview with Tony. You'll get better information, it will be more personal and have better pictures.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, April 14, 2009

By 

Shelley (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Halfpipe with Tony Hawk (Paperback)

My[..] son read this book for a 2nd grade biographical book report. He thought the book was interesting, fun and funny. He didn't want to put the book down. There aren't too many books that capture his interest, but this one certainly did.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not worth it, January 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Halfpipe with Tony Hawk (Paperback)

Why would you want to read this book when Tony Hawk wrote his own? That has all the information on him you need to know--plus more that wasn't covered in this book. Tony Hawk rocks and I would rather read what he writes.