Top Skateboarding Books for All Ages!

Skateboarding is a lifestyle and culture with many celebrated books! At Skate The Foundry, we love to read. Our facility features a large collection of books and magazines to browse, supporting our mission to educate and empower through reading and skating.

Below is a list of books in our facility (starred) and others we recommend, including titles by pro skateboarders like Karl Watson, Rodney Mullen, and Tony Hawk.

Note: These books are available on Amazon, and using our affiliate links helps us create valuable content. While we encourage supporting local skate shops, these books are typically not found there, making our links the best way to bring them home.

	Goodnight Skateboard (Sports Illustrated Kids Bedtime Books) Author: Michael Dahl Illustrator: Leo Aquino Good For Age Group: 3-6 years Description: A charming bedtime story that follows a skateboarder’s day from start to finish. It’s a great way to wind down with your little skater after a day of riding.
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ My First Skateboard by Karl Watson Author: Karl Watson Illustrator: Henry Jones Good For Age Group: 4-8 years Description: Written by professional skateboarder Karl Watson, this beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to the joys of skateboarding. It’s a perfect first book for kids just getting into the world of skateboarding. This is one of my personal picks when it comes to skateboarding children’s books.
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ There Goes Patti McGee!: The Story of the First Women’s National Skateboard Champion(A STF Favorite) Author: Tootie Nienow Illustrator: Erika Medina Good For Age Group: 6-9 years Description: This biography tells the inspiring story of Patti McGee, the first women’s national skateboard champion. It’s a fantastic read for young girls interested in skateboarding and its history.
	A Skateboard Cat-astrophe (Hardy Boys Clue Book) Author: Franklin W. Dixon Illustrator: Matt David Good For Age Group: 6-9 years Description: Part of the Hardy Boys Clue Book series, this adventure has the young detectives solving a skateboard-related mystery. Perfect for young readers who love action and problem-solving. A cat and a skateboard on a book count me in!
	Kenny’s Skateboard by Ryan O’Donnell and Courtney O’Donnell Authors: Ryan O’Donnell, Courtney O’Donnell Good For Age Group: 6-10 years Description: This engaging story follows Kenny as he learns to skateboard and overcomes challenges along the way. It’s an encouraging read for any child learning new skills.
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ Skateboard Party: The Carver Chronicles, Book Two Author: Karen English Illustrator: Laura Freeman Good For Age Group: 7-10 years Description: This book is part of the Carver Chronicles series and follows the story of Richard, a young boy who loves skateboarding. It’s a tale of friendship, family, and pursuing one’s passions.
	The Skateboard Nudge by Tom Krauser Authors: Tom Krauser, Jeremy Wray Good For Age Group: 8-12 years Description: This motivational book teaches kids about the power of perseverance through skateboarding. It’s an inspiring must-read for young skaters. Being a fan of Jeremy Wray growing up, I was thrilled to see him as one of the authors of this book. I’m definitely grabbing a copy soon!
	Skateboard Breakdown (Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels) Author: Eric Fein Illustrator: Gerardo Sandoval Good For Age Group: 8-12 years Description: This graphic novel combines exciting skateboarding action with a gripping storyline, making it a hit with young readers who love comics and skateboarding.
	Skateboard Save (Jake Maddox Sports Stories) Author: Jake Maddox Illustrator: Sean Tiffany Good For Age Group: 8-12 years Description: Part of the Jake Maddox series, this story follows a young skateboarder who must save his skate park. It’s a thrilling read that highlights teamwork and determination.
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ Shredders: Girls Who Skate by Sierra Prescott Author: Sierra Prescott Good For Age Group: 8-14 years Description: Celebrating female skateboarders, this book features stunning photography and inspiring stories of girls who are breaking barriers in the skateboarding world.
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ Hawk: Occupation: Skateboarder by Tony Hawk Author: Tony Hawk Good For Age Group: 10-14 years Description: Tony Hawk, one of the world’s most famous skateboarders, details his rise from a young skater to a professional athlete in this inspiring book. Filled with captivating stories, it’s a must-read for longtime fans and aspiring skateboarders alike.
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ Skate the World: Photographing One World of Skateboarding Photographer: Jonathan Mehring Good For Age Group: 10+ years Description: This stunning photo book captures the global culture of skateboarding through the lens of renowned photographer Jonathan Mehring. It’s an artistic tribute to the sport and its community. National Geographic + Skateboarding = Art
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ The Skateboard Art of Jim Phillips Author: Jim Phillips Good For Age Group:  12+ years Description: A vibrant collection showcases the iconic artwork of Jim Phillips. Phillips has created some of the most recognizable skateboard graphics in the industry. You’ve likely encountered his art before, whether on a skateboard deck or a shirt. Now it’s all compiled into a book. Amazing!
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself by Rodney Mullen Authors: Rodney Mullen, Sean Mortimer Good For Age Group: 13+ years (Some curse words) Description: Rodney Mullen, the godfather of street skating, offers insights into his life and career. This book is both a biography and a guide, packed with tips on skateboarding and life lessons. I have read this personally and found Rodney’s message very inspiring, as the book chronicles his journey from penniless skateboarder to one of the best skateboarders in the whole world.
	Later Skater: The Ultimate Guide to Learning Skateboarding Later in Life Authors: Marko Kosta, Brian DiNonno Good For Age Group: 14+ years Description: This guide, aimed at older readers, provides invaluable tips for skateboarding beginners of any age. It’s never too late to start – a personal recommendation that I’ve shared with friends who began skateboarding later in life especially for teenagers who are just starting in their mid teens.
	Mark Gonzales by Mark Gonzales Authors: Mark Gonzales, Sem Rubio Good For Age Group: 14+ years Description: This book celebrates the life and career of Mark Gonzales, one of skateboarding’s most influential figures. It’s a fantastic coffee table book for any skateboarding fan.  Teenagers and adults will always find Gonz content, whether videos or books, to be entertaining.
	⭐ A STF Favorite ⭐ ’93 til: A Photographic Journey Through Skateboarding in the 1990s Author: Pete Thompson Good For Age Group: 14+ Description: A visually rich chronicle capturing the essence and evolution of skateboarding culture throughout the 1990s.

Whether you’re looking for an inspirational story, a bedtime read, or a practical guide, these books offer something for every skateboarder. Happy reading and be more inspired to skateboard with these amazing books.