FICTION

Nate Likes to Skate

by Bruce DEGEN
illus. by Bruce Degen. 24p. (I Like to Read). Holiday House. Feb. 2016. Tr $14.95. ISBN 9780823434565; ebk. $14.95. ISBN 9780823436040; pap. $6.99. ISBN 9780823435432.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—Nate is all about skateboarding, while his friend Kate has a penchant for ostentatious headwear. At first, Nate tells Kate he hates her hat and she tells him she hates to skate, but after admitting that they were both "brats," they resolve their differences and can appreciate each other's special interests. While Degen doesn't go so far as to reverse the gender roles in this early reader, he at least depicts the friends easily adopting the other's stereotypical hobbies. Graphite and colored pencil illustrations lend a soft, accessible feel to the story, and brief conflict with a satisfying resolution makes this ideal for very young readers. The picture book-style trim size also makes this a good transition book for brand-new readers.
VERDICT A great choice for sports-loving newbie readers.
Reviewed by Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH
Nate likes to skate, while Kate likes hats. The friends butt heads, but later apologize ("I was a brat") and discover they actually do enjoy each other's interest when they give it a chance. The simple controlled vocabulary, repeated phonic units, and generous white space squarely target emergent readers. Textured crayon illustrations depict the action, featuring animal characters with expressive, childlike faces.
 , Jan 01, 2016

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