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Children's Literature
Nick hangs out at the skateboard park every day, working on new tricks. His skill catches the eye of Dan, "the neighborhood bully," who threatens him if he enters the upcoming skateboarding championship. Nick does not back down, and Dan smashes his skateboard. His tormenter thinks he's bested Nick, but Dan has a surprise coming--Nick and his new friend, Ted, have built a replacement skateboard. While trying to grab it from Nick, Dan hurts his knee and is unable to enter the championship, which Nick gleefully takes part in. Intended for readers whose skills are not up to most books for their age group but who are too old for Frog and Toad, this book does a good job of combining a fairly tense plot with simple writing. Line drawings illustrate almost every page. Although only 40 pages long, the book is divided into nine chapters, which will give reluctant readers a sense of accomplishment. Back matter includes a six-word glossary, discussion questions, and suggestions for related essays. 2006, Stone Arch Books, Ages 7 to 12.—Sara Lorimer