By A. Noelle

The month of January is the time for ice rinks nationwide to promote the art of ice skating. Open houses at skating arenas give families the chance to enjoy the ice, receive complimentary lessons, and participate in organized activities. The main goal for National Skating Month is to increase awareness of U.S. Figure Skating programs like the Graduating Seniors Program, which recognizes the achievements of high school students who train in figure skating while pursuing their academic studies. Below is a list of our recommended reads to help introduce your young nieces and nephews to the world of ice skating.



Grades K-2

Sophie Skates by Rachel Isadora

In order to reach her dream of becoming a professional ice skater, Sophie understands that she will have to work hard. This read-aloud introduction to the sport shows kids what to wear on the ice, basic spins, and the elements of competitive ice skating.

Slip! Slide! Skate! by Gail Herman

A young girl is determined to put on the perfect ice-skating show with her entire class, but the carefree attitudes of her schoolmates frustrate her. In the end, she discovers that having fun is just as important as doing your best.

Pearl’s New Skates by Holly Keller

Pearl can’t wait to try out her shiny, new skates. But when she attempts to spin and twirl on the frozen pond, she keeps toppling over! At first, she just wants to give up, but some encouraging words from Uncle Jack help her achieve her dreams.

Grades 3-7

The Greatest Skating Race by Louise Borden

Piet, a Dutch boy, receives the assignment of a lifetime: Skate across the Netherland’s frozen canals and the Belgian border to guide two children to their aunt’s house in Brugge for the duration of WWII. The journey is fraught with danger, and the children skate with all the speed, strength, and courage they can gather.

Cool as Ice by Matt Christopher

Although Chris has taken figure skating lessons for many years, he now wants to try playing for the hockey team. He soon finds out that the one thing more important than skills on the ice is friendship.

Photo: Jay Bergesen via Flickr cc
Published: January 21, 2014