Learning How Bmx Biking

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-- Boulais's text, aimed at beginners, describes the bike's development from a motorcycle design, its major parts, recommended safety equipment, and basic techniques used in racing and freestyle competition. Simple, clear black-and-white diagrams detail parts described. The text is gender-neutral throughout, but all of the readily identifiable figures in the full-color photographs are young Caucasian males. Black borders around the photographs enhance the neat appearance, but take some of the dynamism out of the action shots. Paul Estrem's BMX's (Crestwood, 1987) covers much of the same territory, using a similar format highlighted by more vibrant, full-color photos. More details of the BMX racing experience appear in Bicycle Motocross Racing (Lerner, 1985) by Tom Moran, which bristles with large and exciting color photographs of action on the track. BMX riders who want to become more involved in freestyle stunts can turn to Dave Spurdens' BMX Freestyle (Sterling, 1985; o.p.). Diagrams and directions for constructing equipment used in freestyle stunts are part of Spurdens' treatment, while only a few of the most basic BMX moves, such as the ``Wheelie'' and the ``Endo'' are described and pictured in BMX Biking.--Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY