There Goes Patti McGee! The Story of the First Women’s National Skateboard Champion

Nienow aptly profiles Patti McGee, “the first professional female skateboarder in history,” following her as she first spots a group of boys “riding a board with wheels,” assembles a makeshift board of her own, joins a skateboarding team, and eventually earns a landmark win armed with her new trick—the rolling handstand—at the first National Skateboard Championship in 1964. Nienow makes effective use of anaphora (“When people sneered, Patti smiled. When they yelled “Get off the sidewalk,” all she heard was the click of her board”) and onomatopoeia (“ZOOM!”), while Medina features bold lines that dovetail with renditions of McGee practicing moves. An action-packed picture book biography that will engage casual skaters and non-boarders alike. Back matter includes an author’s note and bibliography. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)