The Trouble with Skateboarding
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
In Exton, Pennsylvania, five friends with a shared passion for skateboarding dream of opening a new skate park. Their plans are jeopardized when Mike Holt's skateboard shop faces closure due to a counterfeit operation. With the help of their Uncle, a retired policeman, the group investigates the mysterious counterfeiting ring, facing numerous challenges and corrupt city officials along the way. Determined to protect their dream, the friends confront their adversaries head-on to save the shop and the upcoming skateboard competition.
Age
4-12
Length
206 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character learned by the end of the story?
How would you handle a situation like the one in the book where things don't go as planned?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like the main character? What did you do?
Why do you think friendship is important in this story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate personal stories of facing and overcoming challenges to help your child connect with the main character's experiences.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story.
Encourage your child to think about the moral of the story and how it applies to their own life, fostering deeper understanding and personal reflection.
Praise your child for insightful comments or unique perspectives about the story, boosting their confidence and encouraging further discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The main character repeatedly attempts and fails to master skateboarding skills, showcasing determination throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson when facing difficult tasks at school or in extracurricular activities, understanding that persistence is key to success.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist learns to seek help from friends and collaborates with them to improve his skateboarding technique.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of working together and supporting each other in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for others
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of treating others with consideration, especially when the main character learns to take turns at the skate park.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice respect in real-world situations, like sharing play spaces or listening to peers' ideas.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fear
Explanation: The protagonist faces his fears of getting injured while skateboarding, which teaches courage.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children tackle their own fears, be it trying new activities or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The character is responsible for maintaining his skateboard and safety gear, learning about accountability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of caring for their belongings and being accountable for their actions at home or school.