Posts tagged Books
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.  

While surfing hasn’t been my North Star the way skating has been, it isn’t any less enjoyable. I started surfing when I moved to Dana Point in 2008. Doheny State Beach is only two blocks from my house, and it felt like an incredible waste of an opportunity (and proximity) not to give surfing a try. Surfing proved to be the perfect Yin to the skate Yang. I loved it!

As for design, its newer to me. I’ve always painted, but illustration is something I’m learning more about and really excited to experiment with. When Julie asked if I would be interested in illustrating the book, I was not only honored, but was excited to play with illustration.  
 
 
Julie Goforth ~ ripping a backyard pool

 

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: Kristi, You already had a background in surf and skate - did that make it easier to interpret Julie's vision? 

Kristi: Yes, I think the background in surf and skate among other (sub) cultural interests like music and art helped in interpreting Julie’s vision. 
 
GN4LW: Julie, what is the message you'd like girls to get from this book?

Julie:  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!
 

 
 
GN4LW: Kristi, The colors and designs are amazing and jump off the page -was there a lot of discussion with Julie)beforehand about that or do you get the story line and just go for it?
 
Kristi: Thank you Cindy for the compliment on the colors and design! Julie had some great visual ideas in mind for some of the storyline and I had a blast creating what she envisioned for those pages.  On the other hand she trusted me with creating most of the illustrations from her storyline, which is what made this project so enjoyable. Thank you, Julie! Her inspiring words and story prompted so many colorful visuals.
 
Author Julie Goforth with her new children's' book

 
 

GN4LW: Julie, can you talk about your background as a skateboarder and also a teacher?

Julie:  I started skating on my knee when I was about 3 or 4.  I had a Black Knight with clay wheels.  Put it up for a while and I started surfing.  Eventually skateboarding came back on the scene and was an extension of  surfing.  I grew up in Naples, Long Beach, Ca and carved down bridges, hit the bank on Bayshore and spent many hours working on 360's, hippie jumps, nose wheelies etc... out in front of the house.  I started teaching when I was 22.  I have spent most of my time with the primary grade levels as well as working with spec. ed. students.  And yes, I often run into students or ex-students at the skatepark!!  

GN4LW:
Kristi, I understand that the  artwork is all paintings rather than doing page illustrations - how did you decide on working in that medium?

Kristi: I adore painting. It brings me a sort of peace and has become a daily ritual practice similar to meditation.  Since I’m new to illustration and more seasoned in painting, I felt confident that painting the pages would produce the most vivid colors for the book.  
 

 
 
GN4LW: Kristi, will those pieces of artwork be for sale at some point? 

Kristi: Yes Cindy, all the paintings created for the book will be released for purchase on my website (kristisanders.com) once "Girls Just Rip” has been published.
 
 
 GN4LW Julie, how did you meet and decide to work with your illustrator, Kristi Sanders?

Julie: I met Kristi through a mutual ripper friend, Amy Bradshaw.  We had skated and chatted it up a few different times.  I knew she painted and I asked if she would be interested in doing this project.  She liked the topic and idea and said she would be willing to give it a shot.  She showed me a sample and it was beautiful and exactly what I was wanting in terms of color and action.  After 28 years of reading to kids, I know what kind of pictures, or illustrations that the kids are mesmerized by.  The books with pictures that the kids say "wait,wait!! Go back, what was that? I didn't see......When I saw her sample it brought tears to my eyes.  One of those "meant to be" moments.  I knew this was going to have to happen!!
 

 
 
GN4LW: How did you decide on the (rad!) title for the book?

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


GN4LW: Kristi, What was your favorite part of this collaboration?

Kristi: My favorite part was working with Julie, a like-minded creative who allowed complete artistic freedom with her inspiring book of encouragement to young Girls. Also, our creative meet-ups were at skateparks. How great is it to discuss  "Girls Just Rip”  creative concepts between skate-runs through the park?? 
 
Quinne Daniels with the new book ~ Photo Julie Daniels

 

GN4LW: Kristi, what do you hope girls get out of reading this book?
 
Julie: I really think any age will enjoy the rhyme scheme and all but I would say ages 4-7 is a good age.  Rhyming is a foundational reading skill.  Repetition and rhyme are great ways of engaging kids in reading.  They know what makes sense, they begin to hear the rhyme and use pictures for context clues and join in on the reading.  This is also where they can learn expression and intonation while reading.  Fun read alouds are great ways to supplement learning to read!!  As a teacher this was important to me.  Not only is the book inspirational but a tool for learning to read.

Kristi: Girls Just Rip is an empowering book, not only from the point that Girls can do anything, but because the book is about being you’re authentic self. That is the empowerment. Every page of Girls Just Rip showcases talents and interests of various girls. To me, one of the most powerful phrases in the book is; There are Girls of all kinds…Not just one...but of many kinds…of Girls who all SHINE. There are two messages here. Girls can do anything and it starts with having self assurance that they can. The “shine” comes from trusting in your unique self and your endless potential.  The second message is about appreciating the talents and uniqueness  of others.  I think the message of Girls Just Rip applies to girls and boys, children and adults alike. 
 
GN4LW:  Any thoughts on making this a series of children's books?
 
Julie:  I am thinking about a series.  I would love to do one that focuses on Boys doing whatever they want, such as fashion design, make up, hair, etc...amongst other rad things boys can do!
 
GN4LW: Last thoughts?
 
Kristi: I just wanted to add that working with Julie on this book has been a delightful experience. Our mutual friend Amy (a skate legend) introduced Julie and I  at one of our group skate sessions. Julie’s empowering words in Girls Just Rip inspired the visuals that made this project easy and fun.
 
 Julie:  I feel blessed and grateful to be given this opportunity at such a hard and trying time for most Americans.  I just wanted to do something positive!!

 

 
 

 
GN4LW:  When and where can people find GIRLS JUST RIP?

"Girls Just Rip" is  available now through Amazon  (paperback is $12.95 and Kindle version is $4.61)


It's Go Skateboarding Day - A Special Treat To Celebrate!

all images via the book It's Not About Pretty /  Photos Ian Logan / Design Elise Crigar 


It's that time of year again, yep, today is Go Skateboarding Day!  We are sure you don't need a reminder to get out and skate every day, but here's some inspiration from our "It's Not About Pretty" book just in case you do.

You can grab a copy of It's Not About Pretty: A Book About Radical Skater Girls on AMAZON  or via our online site, and we hope these rad girl inspire you every single day!

"It's Not About Pretty"shopgirlisnota4letterword.com is a hardback book featuring 65 different female skaters from ages 5 to 50+, it is 144 pages chock full of street skating, longboard, vert & pool and downhill. Each book contains 1 of 4 skater girl posters inside.

** FREE SHIPPING on anything you purchase on our site for the next 24 hours only to celebrate Go Skateboarding Day!  That includes our rad new tote bags that say GIRL POWER on them!!  Use code FREESHIP at checkout.  USA orders only




Find Your California.


More proof that skateboarding has wowed the fashion crowd, beautiful images of California soul skaters are the focus of Nico Guilis' new gallery show & blog, "Find Your California". We loved seing our friend Sierra Prescott (featured above)  featured, as well as some other California girls who just skate for the love of it.

Read the whole article HERE
Palm Angels. Skate x Fashion. For Reals.



Very interested to see how this new skateboard photo book "Palm Angels"  is. They offhandedly mention that female skaters are featured so it will be cool to see "who" and where they are posing skating. I have it on order from Amazon so I will fill you in as soon as it arrives.  Fingers crossed the girls get some good coverage! It sounds visually beautiful, although the 2 places they chose to photograph skaters in are so polar opposite  - Venice & Manhattan Beach - MB is not really a hotbed of a skate scene or skate fashion for that matter (I live in the South Bay so yes, I can say that) so I'm not sure what that is all about... Waiting and wondering.

Here's the write up on what the book is about:

Featuring large-format photographs of skaters in Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach, Palm Angels is the definitive book on the L.A. skateboarding scene, capturing the style and street culture of the world’s most elite communities of skaters. Photographed by Francesco Ragazzi, the Italian art director of Moncler, Palm Angels features a special focus on the look and fashions of skate culture. While it emphasizes dramatic movement through stunning images taken in various Los Angeles neighborhoods, it is less focused on describing tricks as it is about conveying the sensation of men and women engaged in an epic, all-consuming activity.

Through art photography, this book hopes to do for skating what Bruce Weber and others did for surf culture, elevating it from what once was an exclusive and localized American pastime to a far-reaching cultural phenomenon. In the spirit of the photography taken of the legendary Z-boys of Dogtown, Ragazzi provides readers with a firsthand glimpse into skateboarding in its modern form, still very much infused with effortless style. Palm Angels includes an introduction by Pharrell Williams (known to the skate community as Skateboard P), who has been instrumental in popularizing the skate look and has propelled it all the way to the high streets of fashion capitals like Paris, New York, and Tokyo.

PALM ANGELS is available HERE
Puma Suede XLV Book


 Photos: Ian Logan


I have been waiting excitedly to be able to talk about this project for the past few months now. So  frigging honored to be part of the PUMA "XLV Stories of the Puma Suede" book which was done by Puma and Acclaim Magazine to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Puma Suede.

When this HUGE book arrived I was stunned - biggest "sneaker"  box I have ever seen - the presentation (see photos above) was truly amazing on every level - nothing could have prepared me for this!

The book is a limited edition - only 2,000 copies were made and the rad Sapphire shoes they sent me as a gift, are even rarer - only 450 total in the world. And this may freak some of you sneaker collectors out, but I think I may just have to wear them - they are too damn cool not to! Made in Japan with the Sapphire name on the side = cool for sure, but  I am really loving the color!

OK, back to the book, it contains stories from 45 influencers and their personal realtionship with the Puma Suede. I just saw that I'm in the section MOVERS  along with pro skateboarder Bucky Lasek, Yoheu Uchino (BMX) and a bunch of the B-Boys!  And that I am one of two girls featured - the other being Yo! M.A.F.I.A the Australian DJ - love that she is in there with me! Another rad shout out goes to Jimbo Phillips who is also featured in the CREATORS section.

As some of you know, my history with the Puma Suede started back in the late 70's when they sponsored me during my pro skateboard days. Even now I wear suede's with anything and everything. The secret to their longevity (in my opinion) are the clean, classic lines & great functionality. I love them!

Thanks to Puma & Acclaim Magazine for the interview and including me in this awesome piece of sneaker history.  xx


Puma XLV Limited Edition Book.


Honored to be included in the limited edition book "XLV Stories of the Puma Suede" (2,000 total) produced by Puma and Acclaim Magazine.

Forty five people from music, art, dance and sport have their personal stories and history wearing the suede detailed in the book, which  commemorates the Suede's 45th anniversary. Another skater represented is Bucky Lasek - I'm excited to read his story.

As some of you may know Puma was my shoe sponsor back in the day and I still wear their shoes now & love them!

Happy Anniversary Puma Suede!
Dating Is Like Surfing.
If it looks good, don't just sit there, paddle over and get it!
Don't always judge the surf report. Get out there and judge the waves for yourself.
Trust your gut when it's time to bail


I discovered this really cute book "Everything I Know About Dating I Learned Through Surfing" recently. Authors Nancy Spooner & Tara Bouwer, both surfers themselves,  take surfing advice and relate it to dating. The result is a super fun read, and the illustrations (done by Tara), are absolutely beautiful.  It's definitely on my gift list for all my girlfriends.

You can buy your own copy HERE
Pretty Powerful?
  Make-up line Bobbi Brown x The Cools Skate Lesson  /   Via Harpers Bazaar

Bobbi Brown came out with a new make-up book that talks about inspiring confidence and being "who you are". This PR event unfortunately misses that mark and sends a mixed message in my opinion....

This is the kind of thing I find good yet bad. Good because I'd love to see very girl out there learning to skate. Bad because there are so many pro skater girls they could have chosen to teach the fashion blogger girls "how to skate".  No offense to pro skater Eli Reed, but really??

I thought Bobbi Brown Cosmetics was more about female empowerment than this...
Hello, Skater Girl.

Photos by Julian Bleeker

And you thought all the rad skater girls where hiding? Nah, you just have to know where to look.  HELLO, SKATER GIRL, a book featuring some of the most amazing female skaters (Lizzie Armanto, Allysha Bergado, Amee Jay Papelera, Nora Vasconcellos. Justyce Tabor, Mimi Knoop, Carleigh Samson, Abby Zsarnay and Amelia Brodka) is going into a second printing, so jump over to the site and order one because you know this edition will sell out too. 
Skateistan. The Book.
all images via skateistan

"Girls can't ride bikes, but they can skateboard". This statement on the Skateistan website stopped me in my tracks. Living in the United States these are both pastimes that we females take for granted. Not so in Kabul. These young girls (and boys) luckily have Skateistan. Never heard of it? Skateistan is a school with a skatepark. It's a a non-profit organization that uses skateboarding as a tool for empowerment. It's a refuge for kids in a war torn country. It uses something as simple as skateboarding to empower kids and let them enjoy life. It's pretty simple and pretty powerful.

My rad friend Brian Ridgeway gave me a copy of the beautiful new book Skateistan last month when we ran into each other. I am in awe of the stories and photos about these kids and this mission. If you'd like to know more, please visit Skateistan.org and you can also buy a copy of the new book HERE.

Skate on.  No matter where in the world you are.