Jake Maddox - Skateboard Struggle

Jake Maddox books are published by Stone Arch Books
A Capstone Imprint
1710 Roe Crest Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003
www.capstonepub.com

Copyright 2012 by Stone Arch Books

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Maddox, Jake.
Skateboard struggle / by Jake Maddox ; text by Thomas Kingsley Troupe ; illustrated by Sean Tiffany.
p. cm. -- (Jake Maddox sports story)
Summary: Despite his parents ban on skateboarding, Evan is determined to prepare for a competition-- should he continue in secret or tell his parents the truth?
ISBN 978-1-4342-2987-8 (library binding)
ISBN 978-1-4342-3424-7 (pbk.)
ISBN 978-1-4342-8894-3 (ebook)
1. Skateboarding--Juvenile fiction. 2. Family life--Juvenile fiction. [1. Skateboarding--Fiction. 2. Family life--Fiction.] I. Troupe, Thomas Kingsley. II. Tiffany, Sean, ill. III. Title.
PZ7.M25643Ske 2011
[Fic]--dc22

2011000348

Art Director: Kay Fraser
Graphic Designer: Russell Griesmer
Production Specialist: Michelle Biedscheid

Photo Credits: Sean Tiffany (cover)

CHAPTER 1

Evan Narita looked nervously over his shoulder as he walked into the skate park. All around the park, the usual groups of skateboarders were on the halfpipes and grinding on the rails.

He waved at his friend Ryan Thompson, who was waiting for him near the edge of the park.

You made it, Ryan said. Are you sure nobody followed you here?

Very funny, Evan replied. If my parents catch me, Im toast. But no, smart guy, no one followed me.

Even so, Evan couldnt help glancing at the sidewalks around the park. He didnt see anyone from his family, but he could never be too careful.

Two months ago, Evans older brother, Chris, had broken his leg while skateboarding. Chris had been trying a risky lip trick on a halfpipe when he fell. He hadnt been wearing pads.

Evans parents had decided that skateboarding was too dangerous. And ever since then, no one in the Narita family was allowed to do it. The problem was that all of Evans friends were boarders. They all hung out at the skate park.

Evan loved skateboarding. He couldnt just quit. He kept skating. But the park was only four blocks from his house, and he was worried hed get caught.

Ryan kicked his board up, caught it, and handed it to Evan. Here you go, Ryan said. You might as well get in some deck time before they catch you.

Very funny, Evan muttered. He felt dumb. He didnt even have his own skateboard anymore. After Chriss accident, their parents had gotten rid of both boys boards. Now Evan had to borrow Ryans board.

Did you bring the gear? Evan asked, pointing to the backpack near Ryans feet.

Yep, Ryan said. He tossed it over. Here it is.

Inside Ryans backpack were elbow pads, kneepads, and a helmet. Everything was covered in skateboard logo stickers. After Chriss accident, Evan wasnt taking any chances.

The other skaters who didnt wear as much gear probably thought Evan was too careful, but he didnt care. Broken bones kept skaters off skateboards. Sometimes for good.

Evan opened the bag and started pulling on the pads. Within minutes, he was geared up.

Thanks for bringing all this stuff, Evan said. He stepped onto the skateboard. If I went home hurt, my parents would definitely know something is up. Theyd probably ground me forever.

Evan pushed away from Ryan. The board rolled along the ground and made the click-clack sound he liked. He did a manual, followed by a kickflip. He landed smoothly back on the deck both times.

Evan made his way to the top of a ramp, pausing for a second before dropping in. He balanced the back edge of the board on the edge with the wheels dangling over. The nose of the board faced up. Evan kept one foot on the back of the board to hold it in place. Then he placed his other foot at the front of the board and dropped in to the ramp.

Evan was pretty good at skateboarding, but he knew he still had room for improvement. If I could practice on the driveway and on my way to school, Id be way better , he thought.

Evan glanced at the sidewalk once more before rolling into the skate park. Ryan jogged behind him.

Ten minutes and then we switch, Ryan said. Im timing you, pal.

Got it, Evan said. He gave Ryan a thumbs-up.

Ive got to make every minute count , Evan thought. I really need my own board.

CHAPTER 2

When it started to get dark, Evan was forced to cut his last turn short. He reluctantly hopped off of Ryans skateboard and handed it back.

I need to get home for dinner, Evan said to Ryan. My parents are going to wonder where I am. He glanced down at his watch. 6:15! It was much later than hed thought. He pulled off the helmet and pads and tossed them to Ryan.

Youve got helmet hair, dude, Ryan said. He pointed to Evans dark hair. Mess it up or something.

Evan ran a hand through his hair. It felt sweaty. Running home would make him even sweatier. He glanced around the skate park again, but he knew no one from his family would be outside. Everyone was home, sitting at the table, waiting for him.

Ive got to fly, Ryan, Evan said. See you tomorrow.

Sure thing, Ryan said. He waved Evan away. Now get home before youre grounded!

* * *

Evan burst through the back door, scaring his grandmother. She jumped and muttered something in Japanese.

Sorry, obaasan , Evan said. He didnt speak much Japanese, but hed picked up a couple of words. Ever since his grandmother had moved in, Japanese was spoken more often around the house.

Grandma Narita, unfortunately, didnt speak any English.

Evan? his father called from the dining room. Come and sit with us at once. Weve been waiting for you long enough!

Evan hurried to the dinner table. His parents, along with Chris, were seated with plates of food in front of them.

Sorry Im late, Evan said. He quickly sat down.

Where were you? his mother asked. She passed him a bowl of salad.

I was at the park with Ryan, Evan said. He hoped his parents wouldnt ask which park. I lost track of time.

Evan glanced at Chris, who shook his head. Only Chris knew his secret. But Evan knew that his brother wouldnt say anything.

You need to pay more attention to the time, his father said. We eat at six oclock every night, no exceptions.

Maybe next time we should have a picnic dinner at the park, Chris joked. Then Evan would be on time.

Evans family laughed. Even his grandmother, who didnt know what Chris had said.

Youre all sweaty, Evans mother said. Were you running a marathon?

As Evan ate his dinner, he felt his parents watching him. Do they know Im secretly skateboarding? he thought.

Evan took a gulp of water, then shook his head. Oh, no, he said, trying to sound casual. I just ran home.

Too bad you didnt have something to ride back here, Chris said. He pointed a breadstick at his younger brother. Its easier to get home when youve got a set of wheels.