Books for Boards is a youth literacy initiative by The Free Skate Foundation that empowers kids to earn a brand-new skateboard deck by reading books and writing short book reports. Designed to promote both literacy and physical activity, the program encourages curiosity through reading and self-expression through skateboarding.
Participants select age-appropriate books from a recommended list or their local library. After reading, they complete a short book report to reflect on the story, share their thoughts, and show understanding. Once the report is reviewed, they’re rewarded with a new skateboard deck.
Books for Boards makes literacy rewarding, skateboarding accessible, and growth inevitable.
To earn a free skateboard through Books for Boards, participants must:
Be between the ages of 5 and 18
Open to youth in elementary, middle, or high school.
Read a book appropriate for your grade level, approved by a parent or guardian
You can choose from our recommended reading list or another book your parent/guardian feels is right for you.
Submit your book report by email
Take a clear photo of a handwritten paper and email your completed report to bookreports@freeskatefoundation.org.
There is no deadline—submissions are accepted year-round.
Be respectful and honest
Only original work will be accepted. We encourage effort over perfection—just do your best!
Limit: One skateboard deck every 60 days per participant
Participants may continue submitting book reports year-round, but skateboards are limited to one per person every 60 days.
Each participant who completes the Books for Boards challenge will receive:
A brand-new skateboard deck
This is not a full skateboard—just the deck. All decks are donated by generous partner organizations that support youth literacy and skateboarding.
Decks may vary in brand, size, and graphic design, but all are high-quality and ready to ride or display with pride.
Please note: Wheels, trucks, and grip tape are not included.
Youth may also choose age-appropriate books approved by a parent or guardian.
Last Stop on Market Street – Matt de la Peña
Jabari Jumps – Gaia Cornwall
The Snowy Day – Ezra Jack Keats
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! – Mo Willems
Ada Twist, Scientist – Andrea Beaty
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story – Kevin Noble Maillard
Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
Because of Winn-Dixie – Kate DiCamillo
The Wild Robot – Peter Brown
Dragons in a Bag – Zetta Elliott
Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid – Megan McDonald
Maxwell Dark: Nightmare Hunter – Brady Smith
Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
Ghost – Jason Reynolds
Esperanza Rising – Pam Muñoz Ryan
The Giver – Lois Lowry
New Kid – Jerry Craft (graphic novel)
Long Way Down – Jason Reynolds
The Crossover – Kwame Alexander
Piecing Me Together – Renée Watson
