Skate [Unknown Binding]

Michael Harmon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2008

There’s not much keeping Ian McDermott in Spokane, but at least it’s home. He’s been raising Sammy practically on his own ever since their mom disappeared again on one of her binges. They get by, finding just enough to eat and plenty of time to skateboard.

But at Morrison High, Ian is getting the distinct, chilling feeling that the administration wants him and his board and his punked hair gone. Simply gone. And when his temper finally blows–he actually takes a swing at Coach Florence and knocks him cold–Ian knows he’s got to grab Sammy and skate. Run.

Their search for the one relative they can think of, their only hope, leads Ian and Sammy across the entire state of Washington in the cold and rain–and straight into a shocking discovery. Through it all, Ian knows exactly what he has to do: protect Sammy, and let no one split up their family of two. Michael Harmon tells a nuanced and unflinching story of wilderness survival, the fierce bond between brothers, and teen rage–and redemption.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up–Ian McDermott doesn't have much going for him. He has basically raised himself and his young brother, who has fetal alcohol syndrome. Their mother is a deadbeat drug addict who makes rare appearances in their lives. At Morrison High School, things aren't much better; the administration wants him out. The thing is, Ian isn't going to take any guff from anyone. But one day, he loses his cool and ends up breaking Coach Florence's jaw. The teen knows that he and Sammy have to get away fast before the cops catch up with him. They grab some meager supplies and skate out of Spokane toward Walla Walla to search for their estranged father. Surviving on the lam in the wilderness isn't easy. They cross the state in cold rain, with barely enough provisions. At one point they end up in trouble with a sheriff but escape. The brothers have high hopes that their father will welcome them into his life, but things do not turn out as planned. The author has created a main character who is confident and tragic, but too many convenient coincidences detract from the story being completely believable. Ian's most redeeming quality is the love he has for his brother. The ending is predictable, and the novel does not have the zip that makes it extraordinary, but it does allow readers to breathe a sigh of relief for these siblings.–Shannon Seglin, Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Despite a jacket photo of a figure riding a skateboard, this first novel is less about skater culture than about learning to deal with life's hard knocks. Fifteen-year-old Ian has little patience for authority at school, where he assumes officials view him as "just another punker with spiked hair and no brain." He especially dreads being swept into the foster-care system by clueless adults. So when his drug-addicted mother's negligence and his own poor judgment leave him anticipating separation from his younger brother, Sammy, Ian and Sammy embark on a 160-mile hike to find the father who "skated" out of their lives before Sammy's birth. A subplot concerning a megalomaniacal school administrator complicates matters unnecessarily, and the optimistic resolution feels a bit pat. But the details of the brothers' survival on the lam will rivet teens, including many reluctant readers, and Harmon compellingly renders wary, brittle Ian, particularly the tension between his admirable motivations and his self-destructive impulses. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Unknown Binding
• Publisher: San Val (February 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1417826568
• ISBN-13: 978-1417826568
• Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, November 27, 2006

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skate (Hardcover)

Fifteen-year-old Ian McDermott already has a tough life: He's never really known his father, his mother is a drug addict and spends most of her time on the streets, and he is left caring for his younger brother, Sammy. What he needs from "the system" is some help; what he gets is placed on a list of kids who the principal wants out of his school as soon as possible. And, when he takes a swing at Coach Florence and breaks his jaw, he knows that the principal is going to get his wish. But, Ian cannot go to juvie--who will take care of Sammy? Their mom is out of the question, and if Sammy goes into foster care, Ian knows they will be apart at least three years, until Ian turns eighteen. There is only one option: They have to find their dad.

The last address Ian has for Samuel McDermott is in Walla Walla--quite a walk from Spokane. But they have no choice, so they hit the road before the cops can arrest Ian for assault. Through the cold, the rain, and many nights of hunger, the brothers trudge forward, dodging the authorities, determined to find their father. But, when they finally arrive, will the address prove to be their saving grace, or will their dreams be shattered in this impractical--maybe impossible--quest?

Michael Harmon's first novel hits the mark with its realistic portrayal of teen rage, drug culture, and the bond that exists between brothers. He manages to have his characters speak in voices that are both hilarious and heartbreaking, never taking the reader so far down that hope is lost, but also never reaching for solutions which render the story unbelievable: "Samuel McDermott or not, I was Ian McDermott, and the way I saw life was the way I'd live life" (p. 167).

Reviewed by: Mechele R. Dillard

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skate is Great!, October 10, 2006

By 

Joanna Ellington "Dr. JE" (valleyford, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skate (Hardcover)

I am a mom to 5 boys (4 in their teens). This book is fantastic!!!!!!!! Two of my boys really don't care to read and they even found this book easy and enjoyable to read. The story moves quickly, there is just the right amount of detail to keep you turning the pages without getting bogged down, and the issues are pertinent to all kids (and adults). I can't recommend this book enough! I was just disappointed that I couldn't find anymore books by this author!

Dr. JE

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, October 23, 2006

By 

Bright Star Reader (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skate (Hardcover)

I work with teenagers, primarily troubled youth, and getting them away from the TV, video games and all of the other things that are way cooler then reading can be a pretty big challenge. In my experience with the reluctant readers if you get get them to read one really GOOD book, you can get them hooked. This is the one.

This is a story of boy who can't seem to catch a break. He gets into some trouble at school, and knowing that his drug addicted mother can't take care of herself much less help him solve his problems, he gathers his younger brother who relies on him for everything and they skate away.

I was given this book by one of my coworkers. It has been an absolute GODSEND! I gave it to one of my RR's (reluctant readers) who was so completely engrossed by it that now I have to buy several more copies for the rest of the group!

There is a wonderful message of hope in this story and it is an engaging read, even for a 30 something woman. I would highly recommend this to all out there, teen and adult alike.

Thanks so much for this fantastic contribution,I know several kiddos that are waiting for the next book!