Yo-Yos: Tricks to Amaze Your Friends

An entertaining handbook is filled with a wealth of dazzling yo-yo tricks, from basic tricks to difficult two-handed tricks, and features an introduction to yo-yos, yo-yo safety, a detailed history of the yo-yo, and much more.

Grade 3-7-Beginning with a history of the toy, the author then discusses types of yo-yos and the basic physics involved in the mechanism. Preliminary information includes adjusting the string, tying the loop, and winding and replacing the string. An important section discusses safety, and warnings appear throughout the text. The remainder of the book describes tricks for fun and competition, divided into various levels of expertise: basic, intermediate, advanced, and tricks with two yo-yos. Each one is clearly described with numbered steps and pen-and-ink illustrations depicting both boys and girls. The table of contents has a detailed list of the tricks. Although the book is well written and descriptive, Shar Levine and Bob Bowden's Awesome Yo-Yo Tricks (Sterling, 2000) will be more appealing to children. It introduces most of the same tricks, but in fewer steps, and it makes extensive use of full-color photos. It also gives a clearer picture of the inside of yo-yos and includes an index. Roper's book would make a good additional purchase where more books on this topic are in demand.
Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Step-by-step instructions, along with detailed drawings, demonstrate more than 30 tricks in Yo-Yos: Tricks to Amaze Your Friends by Ingrid Roper, illus. by Alan Tiegreen. Yo-yo novices and fanatics alike can learn how to perform basic tricks such as "Walk the Dog" as well as more advanced moves such as "Rocket in the Pocket." Safety tips and yo-yo types, plus the history and science of yo-yos, round out this informative volume.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 3-6. Roper begins with a brief but interesting history of yo-yos, which is followed by a discussion of the different varieties, an explanation of how they work, information on how to use them safely, and the meaning of yo-yo terms. Beginning with basic tricks, the clear instructions build on simple moves, allowing readers to progress to more difficult maneuvers. Roper occasionally offers trouble-shooting tips to help readers figure out what they might be doing wrong. The spacious white pages set off the text and Alan Tiegreen's appealing ink illustrations to good advantage. Readers who want more information will find lists of organizations, newsletters, and books. An attractive, practical guide to yo-yos. Carolyn Phelan
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