  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 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 - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 12/01/2016 Jake Eshelman created a small business, Side Project Skateboards, to build customized boards with high-quality materials. His business venture is the basis of this book, which seeks to celebrate craftsmanship and creativity. The history of skateboarding, from its spike in popularity in 1960s California as a surrogate to surfing, is described in the introduction, and a time line of major events in the evolution of the sport is included in the end matter. However, the bulk of the text is devoted to the process of building a board. The expertise involved in crafting skateboards by hand is shown in photographs of Eshelman’s workshop, from selecting and milling wood to fitting on the wheels. The entire creative process, inception through marketing a finished product, is explored. Young readers are challenged to pursue their own creative interests. In a world where it seems that everything is made by machine, Eshelman and other craftsman like him reinforce the idea that a handmade object is not only of a higher quality but also has the added value of someone’s industry and artistry. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
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