Reading Metrics
Description
Daphne spends a vacation with her estranged father, whom she has not seen in years, and the pair bond over their love of skateboarding. Text has bullying. Themes include alcohol abuse.
Quick Summary
"Learning to Fall" is about a girl named Daphne who goes to spend a vacation with her estranged dad and discovers they both love skateboarding, which becomes the unexpected bridge between them. It's a really solid pick for kids who enjoy sports stories with real heart, especially ones where the family dynamics are complicated but not melodramatic. The book doesn't shy away from some tougher stuff there are bullying scenes and a parent dealing with alcohol issues but it handles these topics in a way that feels real without being preachy or overwhelming. What I like is that it's not just about the skateboarding tricks; it's really about a kid learning to trust someone she thought she'd lost, and that emotional arc is what makes it stick with you. If your kid liked "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds or other sports-based middle grade novels that balance action with real family struggles, they'll probably dig this one too. It's got humor, it's got heart, and there's enough skate park excitement to keep reluctant readers turning pages.