Roller Skates and Kids Books

Our family had almost nothing to do with roller-skating until, at 3 years old, Child #2 put some on at a cousin’s house. She was a child who had been difficult and obstinate and up until that point I’d never grasped how that could become a positive. She spent 2 hours falling over and getting up on those skates determined to master them. It was heart-wrenching and heartwarming; I wanted to help her and stop her falling, but I wanted her to learn so had to allow the failure (the paradox of motherhood).

She was given some money for her fourth birthday and bought some second-hand skates at a market and then proceeded to wear them anywhere she could. They became her everyday shoes. I remember she wore them through Bunnings, Woolworths, Ikea, the swimming pool, she even went down the slide at the playground with them on. And would you believe the zoo was the only place that told us she had to take them off?

Roller skates have become a staple in our house and now we go most school holidays. If you have a brave youngster in need of a new challenge I highly recommend considering a pair of roller skates or rollerblades. Skating encourages physical activity, is a social activity that can be enjoyed at all ages, and is heaps of fun.

If I’ve convinced you and you’re looking to gift some skates here are some suggestions of books that pair nicely.

The Book of Mistakes, by Corinna Luyken

We went through a stage when we had a need for growth-mindset promoting books and this is a super good one. It helps kids see that beauty and progress can come from things that might have felt like a mistake. That just because something looks different than we planned doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Plus there are roller skates. Ideal for kids aged 4-9 even though the message is needed more widely.

Look What We Can Do!, by Candy James

This series by an Australian husband and wife team has been described as “Elephant and Piggie meets Narwhal and Jelly“, which is great news for kids who love those series (which we do). This is a very introductory graphic novel with lots of early words and repeated words. In this story Archie and Reddie want to win a talent competition and try all sorts of skills to determine what will impress. Roller skating is one of the skills they try to work into their act.

Karen’s Roller Skates, by Ann M. Martin and Katy Farina

These Babysitter’s Little Sister graphic novels have been really enjoyed at our house. At one point one child was ready for the content of The Babysitter’s Club graphic novels but needed me to read it. However, these were just that little bit more accessible and really hit the spot. The illustrations will help readers with strong visual literacy but lower decoding skills. Plus – roller skating! Based on the books I devoured in the 1990s, Karen is still bright, observant, imaginative, and determined.

Roller Girl, by Victoria Jamieson

A graphic novel for middle-grade readers, my girls adored this book and as soon as we finished reading it together they wanted it again straight away. Astrid is a tween girl struggling with confidence, friendship and identity concerns. She has a new interest, which introduces her to a whole new cast of people she’s never met before. I really liked that the ending wasn’t wrapped up as neatly as stories usually are for younger kids, making this a great step up for independent readers.

Scram!, by Lauren Child

This latest in the Clarice Bean series is just as funny, interesting, and heart-warming as the others. Clarice in one of my favourite characters to read aloud. Her phrasing, innocence, and imagination are pure.

In this story Clarice’s parents rush out of town and while they’re away the family gets a new addition, a stray dog. Working in secret with her sometimes-unkind sister, Marcie, Clarice has some tough choices to make about what is truly important.

I don’t want to give away why I have suggested this book as a great match for a rollerskate-loving child, but trust me it really, really is.