by Patricia Lakin (Author)
Go behind the scenes and learn how craftsman Jake Eshelman makes one-of-a-kind skateboards by hand with this nonfiction book that's full of photographs and illustrations about his process.
Jake Eshelman of Side Project Skateboards in Houston, Texas, grew up with a love of skateboarding. After meeting his future wife in college, Jake decided to turn his passion into a career: making one-of-a-kind skateboards from beautiful pieces of found wood. This book gives readers an inside glimpse into Jake's creative process, from wheel to finished wheel! Charts, infographics, and bold photographs make this a picture book for anyone who is curious about how a skateboard is made. This book also features a history of skateboarding, a timeline, and resources to inspire kids to make their own objects by hand.
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Gr 4-7--A brief homage to skateboard history and a step-by-step lesson on how one individual takes a designer approach to his brand of skateboards. Packed with photographs on graph paper backgrounds, the book follows Jake Eshelman's creative process as he plans and constructs custom skateboards for his company, Side Project. The craftsmanship is evident, and the attention to detail is laudable as Eshelman's creations go from wood scraps to customized beauty. Later pages encourage readers to explore making something by hand, with a brief mention of recycling. A four-page time line on the evolution of the skateboard and an index conclude the insubstantial information. While enthusiasts might appreciate Eshelman's dedication and the impressive photos, this volume is likely to have little appeal otherwise. VERDICT A noteworthy look at an artist's craftsmanship but an optional purchase for libraries.--Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH
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