TransWorld SKATEboarding, January 2011

Publisher: Bonnier

Around 76 pages

Reading Level: Grades 9^th and above.

http://skateboarding.transworld.net/

Summary:

This skateboarding magazine geared mainly to male teens is chock-full of glossy pictures depicting the various stunts skateboarders perform. The articles vary from one called “Sightings” which is “all photo, no text. If you’re jonesin’ for words look no further than the ones that come out of your mouth upon initial reaction” (Retrieved from http://skateboarding.transworld.net/1000128855/features/in-this-issue-january-2010/). There are also serious articles that deal with what type of education a skateboarder should have. Apparently, math comes in handy in order to break down a trick in the post-trick analysis. There is also an article on dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while trying to master tricks, as well as an article on the skateboarding legend, Duane Peters, the "master of disaster" who almost had to have a leg amputated because of an untreated contagion that led to gangrene. The mix of articles, stories, and photographs give teens a quick and instructive read about the world of skateboarding. 

Critical Evaluation:

While simply glancing through this magazine, a reader would see many youths with low-slung jeans, flipping in the air on skateboards, as well as grizzled veterans with rough skin and tattoos, suggesting that this may not be the magazine best suited for a child. On the face of it, I might agree; but looking more closely, and after reading the articles, I found the underlying theme is that one should not be afraid to attempt reaching any goal. Looking through the glossy pages of skaters doing incredible stunts and then reading about their lives, struggles, and achievements, opened my eyes to all the teens and adults in parks and around town who pursue their dreams and goals that oftentimes also include a professional life of skateboarding. It’s a rough life with broken limbs, but a life that can also lead to family, children, friends, and glory. Although professional skateboarding is not something I would have thought many people choose, it is a legitimate job that some people opt for, turning a hobby into a career.

Reader’s Annotation:

For those who live life on the edge, this magazine’s for you.
Enter the world of pro skateboarders and imagine the feeling they have as they soar through the air.

Author Biography:

Transworld SKATEboarding is a skateboarding magazine, website, and production company owned by Bonnier Corporation. They started the company and magazine as a response to Thrasher Magazine. Thrasher was “pretty harsh, sex and drugs and using four-letter words and all that and in the early '80s, the sport started growing and (Thrasher) wasn't the best magazine for young kids” (Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transworld_Skateboarding).

Today Transworld SKATEboarding is not only a magazine, but also a website, along with having a solid presence on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. This magazine is still geared towards young men and adults with a passion for skateboarding.

Genre: Sports magazine

Curriculum Ties:

N/A. Perhaps Physical Education, but most likely not in a school setting.

Booktalking Ideas:

-Discuss the stories of accidents that can happen in the blink of an eye.
What precautions can teens take?

-How could one become a skateboarding champion while also
living the life of a husband and a father?

Read-Alikes:

TransWorld Surf, TransWorld Snowboarding.

Challenge Issue:

The inherent danger in skateboarding and the tricks that skateboarders perform would set any parent’s nerves on edge, but discussing safety and responsibility will help the teen both enjoy their activities and stay safe.

Reason to include in blog:

I wanted to read a magazine that I had never read before and which was not in any of my areas of interest. Also, I have seen this magazine, dog-eared and well-worn, in multiple libraries, so I thought that it would be a good magazine that, predominantly, young adult males like to read.

Reference:

Transworld Skateboarding. (2011). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transworld_Skateboarding

TransWorld Skateboarding (2011) In This Issue. Retrieved from

http://skateboarding.transworld.net/1000128855/features/in-this-issue-january-2010/