School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-In this second installment in the series, Marcus is ready to fight small-town corruption and share his knowledge of skateboarding with his stepbrother Bounce, a scrappy boy who is tired of being pushed around by the local skate-park bullies. While preparing for the big skate showdown against this band of meatheads, Marcus, Bounce, and his friend Pema provide step-by-step instructions on how to execute fancy moves, such as a 50-50 grind and a tailslide. Some of these tutorials verge on being too complicated and abstract for those lacking in actual skate experience. Unlike the wilderness survival skills dispensed in Wild Ride, the first in the series, these skating tips aren't quite as universal or of interest to as wide an audience. Nevertheless, the book's fun, stylish art and underdog story will appeal to many readers.-Lauren Anduri, Brooklyn Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In this second volume of Orca's Graphic Guide Adventures, the how-to topic is skateboarding. Tween Benny must beat local bully Crunch in an upcoming skateboarding contest to save face at the skate park. Meanwhile, he and his friends can't practice, since the entire town is a "no-skate" zone. As the law chases them from parking lot to alley, they teach each other (and the reader) how to do some simple skateboard tricks. In addition to preparing for the contest, Benny is also tracking down a mysterious vandal who is terrorizing local businesses, and there is never any doubt that he will manage to nail both the criminal and the contest. The overt messages ("People say skaters are fearless, but that isn't trueGood skaters just face their fears") and predictable ending ensure that this slim graphic novel is unlikely to appeal to most readers over ten, and certainly not a seasoned skater. However, the graphic format and step-by-step instructions on skating technique may draw in reluctant readers or young novice skaters. (Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Benny (nicknamed Bounce) just wants to use the cool new skate park with his friend Pema, but older, bullying Crunch and his friends have taken over the park. The rest of the town is off-limits for skateboarding, and Officer Branco is very vigilant at catching skateboarders in violation of this law; oddly enough, he is not nearly as effective at stopping the vandals who are shutting down businesses across town. When Benny's stepbrother Marcus comes for the summer, things heat up. Benny bets he can beat Crunch in a skateboarding competition for rights to use the park, and he and Pema discover that a motorcycle gang called the Hell Hogs are working a protection racket and are responsible for the vandalisms. Aside from the action-packed story, great characters, and colorful artwork, this graphic-novel adventure includes an array of practical skateboarding tips for beginners. The story also delivers a deft message about standing up to bullies as it depicts Benny's growing determination and self-confidence.--Kan, Kat Copyright 2008 Booklist
