Patti carried her skateboard everywhere, always on the lookout for a bigger hill, the biggest thrill. When people sneered, Patti smiled. When they yelled ‘Get off the sidewalk,’ all she heard was the click of her board over every crack as she glided along.
There Goes Patti McGee! is a great tale for children who want to cultivate the courage to try something new. The story is based on the skateboard vanguard figure Patti McGee who won the first National Skateboard Championship competition with her “rolling handstand” trick she invented. This tale explores the many failed attempts of performing tricks and the success of making space for girls in this sport. No helmet or knee pads can protect you from naysayers; sheer will, a belief in yourself, and a supportive group of friends will. The book’s young readers will realize that the scrapes and bruises, from trying, failing, and trying again, are no match for persistence. The illustrations capture this fortitude brilliantly.
Medina’s vibrant images excellently showcase McGee’s enthusiastic curiosity for learning and growing. Skateboard tricks are expertly translated to the page with big bold letters and easy-to-understand figures. Images of McGee’s cut up body are accompanied by a determined look on her face which enthusiastically reveals the joy of trying something because it’s freeing despite the hardships. Whether readers are active or sedentary, girls or boys, There Goes Patti McGee! will get all kids excited about picking something up and going for the best trick—trying something new!
Lonnie Freedman is the Health Literacies Specialist at Vaughan Public Libraries.
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