The Half-Pipe Kidd

Lesley Shortt is an elementary-school teacher in Milton, Ontario.

Ogilvie Kidd loves to freestyle cycle on his backyard half-pipe. One day
he is overtaken with an urge to write about the sport—in a poem. His
friend Roland, a serious student who wears ties, thinks this is great,
and talks Og into entering a poetry contest. But his buddy Couch, a
sports jock, is disgusted that Og would choose any nonathletic activity.
Og’s mother has always wanted him to show an artistic side.

Og soon finds that working for and believing in himself has
consequences. He is torn between finishing the backyard half-pipe for
his bike stunts and writing about them. Then Tony Jones, the world’s
best freestyler, comes to see Og’s half-pipe, and Og and his friends
find themselves having to make some difficult choices that will affect
their lives.

Although this book starts off slowly, the story gradually draws readers
in, taking them on an emotional ride, from laughter to tears, as the
friends experience the unexpected twists life can hold. Recommended.