Customer Reviews

Skate

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
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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

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

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!

A great emotional story about an angry teenage boy dealing with school, an absent father, a mother addicted to crack and caring for his younger brother. When he violently lashes out at a teacher and his home life is found out he takes his brother and runs off to search for his missing father. A lot of bad decisions put them further and further into trouble. Most characters in this book are very realistic (except for the law enforcement)and you can believe that the whole story is possible.

In the book Skate by Michael Harmon, Ian and Sammy McDermott are forced to run away and escape to their long lost dad when Ian, out of anger, punches his gym teacher. On their journey, they bump into many problems, they even almost starve! But they get lucky. They get shelter from a few different people but also run into mean people. This is my absolute favorite book because it is creative and intelligent. Harmon did a great job but this book has cursing and inappropriate behavior. Reader discretion is advised.

This was a spontaneous grab from the library, but I want to buy a copy as I'm sure I'll want to read it again. The characters jump right off the page and you can't help but care for them. The brothers' relationship is very realistic and I never knew what was going to happen next. A wonderful ride, honest and heartfelt. I was very impressed with this and hope to read more from this author.

Ok this may be a kids review. But I'm not a kid.

This book is a page turner. It took me about 3 days to read the whole book because of homework, school and other things. But i was always iching to keep reading. The lanuage is a litle for an older crowd and the content in the story may not be suitable for readers under the age of 10.

But this book has a very good story line. the auother makes you want to keep reading and you never know what is coming next. The outcome of the story is really good.

So in conclusion I recomend this book to the older crowd over ages 10. You will love this book !!

I am a 14 yr old boy. Michael Harmon is one of the best new authors I have found. I read the book within two days, becuase I could not put it down. I recommend this book to any that like a good happy ending story and that is ful of suspence and is a good example. This book is a good example to teens and adultd that if you mess up in life its best to turn and face it and not run from it. Keep up the good work Michael. I can't wait until you write another hit.

Sincerely,
Rayne

Micahel Harmon's SKATE tells of siblings alone: Ian's been raising his brother without his mother's aid, and when trouble hits, Ian grabs Sammy and runs to the one relative they can think of, across the state of Washington in winter.

Excellent read! A must for YA.
The main character Ian, even when he finds himself in too much trouble for most to comprehend, he is likable and you WANT him to win, to figure his life out and smooth over everything that has happened to him. His drive to protect his brother is inspiring even in the darkest of moments. Shows the true struggles that some have to edure and inspires the reader to push through all obsticles. A must read for anyone fifteen and above! Great writing style here. Cannot wait to read something else from Harmon.

Shandy L Kurth