The Skate Jam-Racing with the Sun 27-28

This book contains the fiction title The Skate Jam and the non-fiction title Racing with the Sun.

In The Skate Jam, readers follow Kate as she prepares for a skateboarding contest. Despite the doubts and teasing of others, Kate demonstrates perseverance and inner strength, overcoming nerves to perform with confidence. This inspiring first-person narrative features fast-paced action, lively dialogue, and emotional depth that captures readers' attention while subtly highlighting themes of resilience and self-belief. Racing with the Sun follows a group of determined engineering students as they collaborate to design, build, and race a solar-powered car from Chicago to Los Angeles. This non-fiction text is packed with STEM-based content, including specialised vocabulary such as chassis, solar cells, and carbon fibre. Students will enjoy exploring timelines, maps, diagrams, and quotes as they learn about innovation and teamwork.

Educational Benefits:

• Encourages analysis of emotions and character development through realistic fiction
• Introduces STEM concepts and engineering vocabulary
• Develops sequencing and summarising skills
• Enhances understanding through graphic elements like maps and timelines

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a storyboard for Kate's skate jam journey
• Research and present how solar cars work
• Compare and contrast the fictional and non-fiction characters' challenges
• Build a simple model car powered by solar energy or wind

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages 8+
• Book size: 200mm x 148mm
• No small parts; printed materials only
• Contains themes of competition, teamwork, and innovation