Grade 3-6-This fast growing and popular activity began in the 1980s with the development of lightweight skates by two American hockey players. Like any sport, it involves safety gear and rules, good equipment, physical fitness, and beginning and advanced skills. Through excellent, full-color photographs and a thorough, step-by-step discussion of techniques, this book will help beginning skaters start the journey toward mastering this exciting sport.
Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 4^-6. As with any sport, it's practice not pictures that counts the most, but this book is still a good place for kids to turn to before strapping on the skates. The many excellent full-color photos, all nicely placed, are as important as the text in getting across the information, which covers everything from skate maintenance and fundamental maneuvers to negotiating hills and learning how to jump. Safety is a big concern: all kids pictured are outfitted correctly with helmets and pads; warm-up exercises are encouraged, as is some practice on grass at the beginning; and Edwards includes a very useful section on handling the inevitable fall. A tantalizing double-page spread at the end shows children the excitement awaiting them should they want to try competitive skating. Stephanie Zvirin