Tony Hawk

Children's Literature

It would be difficult to write about this athlete without mentioning his merchandise and business interests. It might have been possible to exclude the product endorsements. The index reads a bit like the business pages. Between the ads is the inspiring story of a hyperactive boy who becomes a phenomenon. He brings hope to children who can't sit still in class or wait their turn on the team. The sharp color photographs present the sport of skateboarding without the negative skater image. Maybe all self-made people are skaters at heart. Maybe even Abraham Lincoln. There is no mention of schooling after fifth grade, and only a brief explanation that his parents were glad he found "something to keep him focused and out of trouble." A timeline is included to show Tony Hawk's career at a glance. This book is one of the "Awesome Athletes Series III" and proves that it is still possible to succeed in life without succeeding in the classroom. 2004, ABDO Publishing, Ages 9 to 12.
— Tina Dybvik