Joan De Deu Prats

Sebastian was a very shy boy. He didn't talk very much, until he found a pair of old roller skates. He didn't like the skates at first, but the second time he saw the skates he took the skates home. He practiced everyday, but he wasn't very good. He was skating then a lady lost her dog and he tried to catch the dog, but he was still on his skates. The dog took him through the whole park; he loved it. The skates opened up a new Sebastian. He became so much more talkative. The skates gave him courage. He even asked the girl he liked to go on a date.… (more)

This story is about a young shy boy named Sebastian. One day Sebastian is in the park and he finds a pair of roller skates. He decides to try them on and start skating. At first he is not very good. He then starts to practice every day he can. Eventually Sebastian becomes really good at roller skating. Sebastian then uses his new found roller skating talent to gain confidence in himself, especially when he is talking to people. Roller skating has shown him that it is important to speak and that his voice does matter. I liked this story and how the roller skates symbolize something so much bigger. I think it is amazing that in this story a pari of old skates and gaining the ability to skate helps a young boy gain so much confidence that he begins to communicate differently. I also liked how at the end Sebastian used his new found confidence and abilities to help someone who was a lot like him at one time.… (more)

I liked this book because I believe students who are shy may be able to connect to the book and it will inspire them to become more outgoing by getting them involved in new activities. This book incorporates a well-developed character of a boy named Sebastian, who is very shy. Throughout the book Sebastian has a lot to say, but he is scared to say it. As Sebastian finds a new hobby one day in the park, he spots roller skates sitting on the bench he decides he is going to learn to skate. In addition, the book uses illustrations to enhance the mood and emotions of the book. For example, in the book the illustrations show how Sebastian would lower his head and shrug his shoulders when people would talk to him, but by the end of the book they displayed that Sebastian was excited to talk to people about his new roller skates and all the other things he had to say. The main message of this story is to teach children that new activities can encourage and motivate you to be confident when speaking and communicating to others. Also, this book shows that hard work, and determination can pay off and enhance your skills in many different areas of your life.… (more)