VVMBookBlog

Skate by Michael Harmon

Skate is an edgy novel. Ian is a fifteen year old who takes care of his younger brother Sam. The two are very close. When things are at their best, they scrounge for food, study, and skateboard. Life is difficult for these two. Ian is angry for obvious reasons. At school teachers, especially coaches and the principal, are always “on his case.” After one coach pulls him around, Ian punches him in his jaw. Ian and Sam are forced to run. Their mother is in no shape to help them, so they run to a dad they have never met. All they have is an address. The two fight the elements, sickness, hunger, police, etc. as they make the journey to their dad.

Although this would definitely be a PG-13 book (see Ms. Childs’ comments on an earlier blog), it offers many lessons. Skating has to do with more than skateboarding. Ian skates through many problems. Skate is will be published in October 2006.