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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Is Nathan Chen?
Learn about American figure skater Nathan Chen's Olympic journey to gold in this exciting title in the Who HQ Now series featuring newsmakers and trending topics.
In 2022, Nathan Chen dazzled the world when he won the gold medal in men's figure skating to Elton John's "Rocketman" at the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. Though this was his first Olympic gold, Nathan was not new to big victories. He was already a six-time US national champion and had already won the World Figure Skating Championship three times! Nicknamed the "Quad King," Nathan is known for his thrilling quadruple jumps on the ice and is considered one of the greatest male figure skaters of all time. Learn all about Nathan's life from his childhood hobbies of ballet and gymnastics to his recent graduation from Yale University in this inspiring book for young readers!
In 2022, Nathan Chen dazzled the world when he won the gold medal in men's figure skating to Elton John's "Rocketman" at the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. Though this was his first Olympic gold, Nathan was not new to big victories. He was already a six-time US national champion and had already won the World Figure Skating Championship three times! Nicknamed the "Quad King," Nathan is known for his thrilling quadruple jumps on the ice and is considered one of the greatest male figure skaters of all time. Learn all about Nathan's life from his childhood hobbies of ballet and gymnastics to his recent graduation from Yale University in this inspiring book for young readers!
56 pages, Hardcover
Published August 29, 2023
5 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 28, 2024
First sentence: During the 2022 Winter Olympics, Nathan Chen stood alone in the middle of the ice rink in Beijing (say: BAY-jing), China. His legs were spread apart and his arms were relaxed at his side. He was dressed in black pants and a red shirt covered in stars. The stars were not like those you see on a flag. These were more like stars you see in space.
Premise/plot: Who is Nathan Chen? is a biography for young readers--think elementary aged. It is part of the Who HQ series. Who is Nathan Chen? A figure skater--from the United States--who, for a time, dominated the sport and many competitions. The sport is an ever-constant in its changing. Skaters come. Skaters go. Legacies can be formed, for sure. But there's always "new" and "better." I use quotes because there's SO much room for subjective speculation in the sport. There are a million and one factors involved in judging. One person's "better" is another person's flop. Fans can and do disagree with judges. Fans can and do disagree with other fans. The book is a basic, straightforward biography of an athlete, an Olympian.
My thoughts: I just remember so much RAGE of the 2022 Olympics when it comes to figure skating. Though not particularly the men's competition. (I was bitter/am bitter at the LACK OF DECENT coverage on television. But that's another story not for another day). The writing of this one was serviceable and decent. It works okay. I thought the writing was a little lacking, but it was far from horrible.
Do kids watch figure skating? Maybe. Maybe not. Do kids get assignments like read a biography? Yes. Probably. Are athletes a more interesting choice for such assignments? For some, sure. Are living subjects infinitely more exciting than dead ones? Probably. Maybe. This one will have an audience.
Premise/plot: Who is Nathan Chen? is a biography for young readers--think elementary aged. It is part of the Who HQ series. Who is Nathan Chen? A figure skater--from the United States--who, for a time, dominated the sport and many competitions. The sport is an ever-constant in its changing. Skaters come. Skaters go. Legacies can be formed, for sure. But there's always "new" and "better." I use quotes because there's SO much room for subjective speculation in the sport. There are a million and one factors involved in judging. One person's "better" is another person's flop. Fans can and do disagree with judges. Fans can and do disagree with other fans. The book is a basic, straightforward biography of an athlete, an Olympian.
My thoughts: I just remember so much RAGE of the 2022 Olympics when it comes to figure skating. Though not particularly the men's competition. (I was bitter/am bitter at the LACK OF DECENT coverage on television. But that's another story not for another day). The writing of this one was serviceable and decent. It works okay. I thought the writing was a little lacking, but it was far from horrible.
Do kids watch figure skating? Maybe. Maybe not. Do kids get assignments like read a biography? Yes. Probably. Are athletes a more interesting choice for such assignments? For some, sure. Are living subjects infinitely more exciting than dead ones? Probably. Maybe. This one will have an audience.
September 28, 2024
This book could have easily received 5 stars if the author had stuck to its topic, Nathan Chen. Sure, most of the book is about him. However, when it gets to the timeline at the end, there is a very clear and biased agenda that shocked me. If the book was about Nathan’s political views or work in politics, I could maybe understand a mention of it. However, this didn’t seem to be trying to reflect his political views at all, as it seemed to be geared toward making kids feel a certain way about politics and recent history. It was clear to me, but it would likely not be to students, as these statements were presented as additional facts. I wish that those last couple of pages had not been included in this book or the audiobook. This is another reason that I am thankful to be able to read or listen to books before I add them to my classroom or recommend them to students or parents.
September 23, 2023
"He had to be okay with losing and choose to learn from his mistakes rather than..."
"He had to be okay with losing and choose to learn from his mistakes rather than let them discourage him."
This look at Nathan Chen's skating career highlights the dedication to training and practice it takes to excel at something as well as the many life lessons that can be learned participating in sports.
A fast paced book, written in a conversational tone, this sketches out the turning points of his childhood and notes some key events that can be looked back on as having a direct influence on or connection to later events... such as an injury prompting him to recognize the value of a college degree.
"He had to be okay with losing and choose to learn from his mistakes rather than let them discourage him."
This look at Nathan Chen's skating career highlights the dedication to training and practice it takes to excel at something as well as the many life lessons that can be learned participating in sports.
A fast paced book, written in a conversational tone, this sketches out the turning points of his childhood and notes some key events that can be looked back on as having a direct influence on or connection to later events... such as an injury prompting him to recognize the value of a college degree.
September 29, 2023
This is a good beginning book for children to learn about a figure-skating champion. They will learn about his failures and triumphs, his life and his passions. It is a fast read but very informative.
October 13, 2023
I read this book with my grandchildren who love the Olympics.
They did not want me to stop each night and were disappointed when we finished.
We looked on-line for more information about him and his skating career.
They did not want me to stop each night and were disappointed when we finished.
We looked on-line for more information about him and his skating career.
September 28, 2023
Just the facts and not much else. Nice filler while waiting for a meatier book.
April 10, 2024
I have always been a fan of the Olympics. I try my best to watch as many events as I can. I watched Nathan Chen and was so proud of him especially when he is also from Utah as I am as well.
August 23, 2024
Concise story of the Quad King with nice illustrations.
November 12, 2024
The story of Nathan is wonderful and interesting.
The world timeline promotes an agenda based on opinions, not facts.
The world timeline promotes an agenda based on opinions, not facts.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews