THE SKATES OF UNCLE RICHARD

Maybe Marsha's dream of being a beautiful black figure skater will never come true, but she'll learn to stand straight and steady, to push, glide, push, glide, on the ugly old skates of Uncle Richard--and youngsters might too, if they're not put off by the story's icky start. It's all daydreaming until, with the approach of Christmas, Marsha asks for skates this year; and then, as her hopes rise, so do her fears: what if she's not the graceful skater of her dreams! Gaily wrapped, Uncle Richard's childhood hockey skates dismay her, and brother Leonard is no help when she does get on the ice; but along comes dashing, understanding Uncle R--to lace her skates properly, start her off, and promise more lessons to come. The book fairly oozes earnestness but Marsha's wobbly-ankle misery and ensuing satisfaction are not to be denied.