How figure skating works

Gr 3-6-This lively overview features clear, well-written explanations of the technical elements of figure skating and anecdotes from skating history. The readable text is supplemented with eye-catching photos, cartoon illustrations, and simple diagrams and charts. Thomas includes a smattering of simple tips and activities; readers are encouraged to get an idea of what a spin feels like by sitting in a swivel chair and spinning in different poses. They learn why ice in televised competitions is painted "TV blue," and that the Zamboni travels at a top speed of nine mph, "about as fast as a slow tractor." The six main types of jumps (axel, flip, Lutz, loop, Salchow, and toe loop) are briefly described; an illustration on the same page diagrams each stage of a jump. Readers also learn how skating competitions, judging, and costumes have evolved, and how skaters prepare themselves to face the mental pressures of competition. Snippets introduce famous athletes from Jackson Haines, Sonja Henie, and Dick Button to current stars. Thomas includes a number of dramatic stories from the Winter Olympics: the on- and off-ice drama between Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan, 1988's "Battle of the Brians," and 2002's scandal in pairs skating that exposed crooked judging and led to reform. This engaging introduction will be welcomed by both newcomers and fans of the sport.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.