Dennis O'Malley, 13, learns to conquer his fear in this palatable but sugar-coated sports adventure from the late Christopher. Dennis is a likable character, an avid and talented skateboarder who is eager to convert to snowboarding, if he can overcome his lingering anxiety after a skiing accident years earlier. Dennis's friends, Tasha and Robbie, ease him into the sport, and his cardboard cut-out parents—pretty, overprotective mother; jock father—are there to cheer him on. Eventually, Dennis confronts his angst in a snowboard race against bully Rick Hogan on the same ski slope where he'd broken his leg, but his swift victory smooths over any qualms. A final contest between Dennis and the town snowboarding hotdog leads to a tie and some celebrity for both boys, in an affable but indulgent suburban fantasy. (Fiction. 10-12)"

Gr 3-6--Christopher begins with Agassi's early childhood and ends in 1996 when he won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics. In addition to describing the athlete's triumphs, Christopher discusses his losses as well as his behavior problems exhibited on the court at the beginning of his career. A grouping of glossy black-and-white photographs as well as a page of career highlights appear at the center of the book. A serviceable biography for tennis fans.--Rachel Fox, Port Washington Public Library, NY

Although he is a skateboard pro, 13-year-old Dennis has a fear of snowboarding because of a previous skiing accident. But his two best friends succeed in getting him to try the snowboard, and Dennis really takes to it. Many of his skateboarding skills carry over, and he quickly progresses beyond the beginner stage. He eventually accepts challenges from two snowboarders: one a hated bully, the other an older, admired athlete. The race with the bully is foolish and risky, and the contest with his idol shows a favorable contrast. These two events unfold with suspense, and readers will identify with the various tormented feelings Dennis experiences. This is a book about snowboarding, but it is just as much about friendship, loyalties, and a young teen's relationship with his parents. Like Christopher's other books, it is fast paced without shortchanging the emotional depth of the main character. (Reviewed April 1, 1998)

A thirteen-year-old skateboarding fanatic shakes off his fear of winter sports and transfers his skills to snowboarding. With the help of friends, Dennis gets his own snowboard and participates in speed and stunt contests. The unique topic will draw fans, who probably won't mind the bland writing that mixes action scenes with purposeful, stated messages on sportsmanship, safety precautions, and the importance of friendship.