Two Female Skateboarders Create "Girls Just Rip!" Children's Book - We Love it!
"My hope is that girls of many backgrounds see their potential in whatever or wherever their interests lie. I want little girls of all shapes, colors and sizes to feel confident in pursuing their dreams. Whether it be ripping it up with boys, quietly being creative or outlandishly aggressive. Girls need to know it's ALL okay! "
~ Author, Julie Goforth
OG skateboarder and elementary school teacher Julie Goforth fulfilled a long time dream during the pandemic by writing a children's book, something she had always wanted to do. Working with her pal and illustrator (and surfer/skater!), Kristi Sanders. the book is aptly titled, "Girls Just Rip". The story is positive and motivating, the illustrations are beautiful and many of the inspiring characters are loosely based on people Julie skates with weekly. How rad is that?
This is a young girls empowerment book. (Includes some boys too!) Full
of strong young girls of many backgrounds and cultures doing the
wonderful things girls are capable of doing. From engaging in dare devil
extreme sports to simply spending time in the park writing. And to the
artistic and creative ventures that ALL girls can participate in and
everything in between. This is a book that rhymes and has a reading
pattern that is helpful when learning how to read. The phonemic
awareness in this story is key for beginning readers. Young readers will
find themselves admiring the wonderful art and paintings. Chanting out
and chorally reading the words that rhyme as they explore their own
talents and strengths from within. ~ Author, Julie Goforth
We decided an interview with these two amazing ladies was in order.
GN4LW: What made you two decide to put together a super fun and
motivating children's book?
Julie: Writing a children's read aloud has always been one of those bucket list things for me. As an elementary school teacher for several years my favorite part of the school day has always been storytelling or read alouds, especially the ones that engage the class. During the pandemic shut down I spent a lot of time playing guitar. Originally I thought I was just writing some silly little girl power song, but quickly realized it would make a much better kid's story. It was a perfect time to do something fun and creative. Not to mention extremely relevant at this time.
Kristi Sanders ripping on a ramp ~ Photo Tim Hardy |
Kristi: I enjoy all three; skate, surf and design. The day I stepped foot on a skateboard in the late 90’s I never stopped. Until recently (I’m currently recovering from a broken leg), I was rolling several times a week. In some respects skating has been a North Star for me. Some of my closest friendships were founded from a shared love of skating and this shared love of skating has afforded some incredible travel opportunities and life experiences including the unique experience of volunteering with the organization SkatePAL in Palestine. Of course I don’t have to tell YOU how skating leaves an imprint on life.
GN4LW: Julie, you are an avid skater - how did that figure into the characters you developed - are some based on skate friends?
Julie: Girls/women skaters are so brave, creative, strong and supportive of one another. I have met so many amazing skaters, young and old who definitely influenced my vision for almost each piece of art created by Kristi. I really wanted to include all kinds of girls, not just the "Rippers" but a representation of many girls with many interests.
GN4LW: Julie, can you talk about your background as a skateboarder and also a teacher?
GN4LW: Kristi, I understand that the artwork is all paintings rather than doing page illustrations - how did you decide on working in that medium?
Julie: The title came from what I thought was the chorus to a song. The title is sort of like an answer to the question Why? .....Why? Because......Girls Just Rip!! Duh!! haha
"Girls Just Rip" is available now through Amazon (paperback is $12.95 and Kindle version is $4.61)