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Pocket Change Collective
Skate for Your Life
Pocket Change Collective was born out of a need for space. Space to think. Space to connect. Space to be yourself. And this is your invitation to join us.
In Skate for Your Life, Leo Baker invites us on the intimate journey toward self-realization. Leo's deep passion for skateboarding is beautifully communicated while bringing to light the difficult reality of breaking the mold on a public stage. This book synthesizes what so many LGBTQIA people can relate to--the lifelong journey of seeking out spaces where we fit in, and when we don't find them, making new ones. --JD Samson (musician, producer, and songwriter)
In this moving, personal story, professional skateboarder Leo Baker shares their journey within the sport and the importance of authenticity and allyship as a non-binary athlete.
Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists.
Your authenticity is your superpower. That's the motto that professional skateboarder Leo Baker lives by and champions. But like any hero's journey, learning about their power didn't come easy. In this installment of the Pocket Change Collective, Baker takes the reader on a complicated, powerful journey through the world of skate and competitive sport as a non-binary athlete.
In Skate for Your Life, Leo Baker invites us on the intimate journey toward self-realization. Leo's deep passion for skateboarding is beautifully communicated while bringing to light the difficult reality of breaking the mold on a public stage. This book synthesizes what so many LGBTQIA people can relate to--the lifelong journey of seeking out spaces where we fit in, and when we don't find them, making new ones. --JD Samson (musician, producer, and songwriter)
In this moving, personal story, professional skateboarder Leo Baker shares their journey within the sport and the importance of authenticity and allyship as a non-binary athlete.
Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists.
Your authenticity is your superpower. That's the motto that professional skateboarder Leo Baker lives by and champions. But like any hero's journey, learning about their power didn't come easy. In this installment of the Pocket Change Collective, Baker takes the reader on a complicated, powerful journey through the world of skate and competitive sport as a non-binary athlete.
64 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 27, 2021
I was provided a digital ARC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
"My authenticity has never been a burden. It is my superpower"- Leo Baker.
This quickly became my favorite book as I sobbed reading this. I advocate for trans people in sports very hard and I really saw myself in Leo's story as a trans man who's childhood and teenage years were spent watching my male friends skateboard. I'd pull all-nighters watching MTV's Scarred until 6 am at the age of 12. I had always consumed the skating culture even if I hadn't picked it up myself. The closest I came to being on a skateboard was Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and playing with Tech Decks on the tabletops of the school cafeteria in middle school.
Leo's story really spoke to me and made me feel very seen as a fellow skater boi. They talked so much about trying to find a space for themselves in a sport that's made for the binary and mainly cis-men. They talk about how unfairly paid the women in the pro skating industry were (the men were given a $200k prize whereas the women got $30k *eye roll*)
Leo's story is SO IMPORTANT. If you want to learn more about trans people in sports, read their stories. I would recommend starting with Leo's.
Thank you to #PenguinTeen for sending me a digital copy of SKATE FOR YOUR LIFE. #PocketChangeCollective
"My authenticity has never been a burden. It is my superpower"- Leo Baker.
This quickly became my favorite book as I sobbed reading this. I advocate for trans people in sports very hard and I really saw myself in Leo's story as a trans man who's childhood and teenage years were spent watching my male friends skateboard. I'd pull all-nighters watching MTV's Scarred until 6 am at the age of 12. I had always consumed the skating culture even if I hadn't picked it up myself. The closest I came to being on a skateboard was Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and playing with Tech Decks on the tabletops of the school cafeteria in middle school.
Leo's story really spoke to me and made me feel very seen as a fellow skater boi. They talked so much about trying to find a space for themselves in a sport that's made for the binary and mainly cis-men. They talk about how unfairly paid the women in the pro skating industry were (the men were given a $200k prize whereas the women got $30k *eye roll*)
Leo's story is SO IMPORTANT. If you want to learn more about trans people in sports, read their stories. I would recommend starting with Leo's.
Thank you to #PenguinTeen for sending me a digital copy of SKATE FOR YOUR LIFE. #PocketChangeCollective
June 8, 2021
Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Skate for Your Life follows nonbinary skater Leo Baker on their journey of exploring gender identity and expression and how that affected their life as a professional skateboarder. This book hit me so hard with one question that's repeated often for Leo:
Are you a boy or girl?
This question is just so ugh. Why are there only two options? Throughout this book, I felt Leo's frustration with being forced into the gender binary. Also learned a lot about professional skating! Though my knowledge was basically, skateboarding = Tony Hawk. I really enjoyed Leo's story and I loved that they are making space in Skateboarding for non-males. I hope this will spread to more sports and that they become more inclusive.
Small thing that bothered me
Skate for Your Life follows nonbinary skater Leo Baker on their journey of exploring gender identity and expression and how that affected their life as a professional skateboarder. This book hit me so hard with one question that's repeated often for Leo:
Are you a boy or girl?
This question is just so ugh. Why are there only two options? Throughout this book, I felt Leo's frustration with being forced into the gender binary. Also learned a lot about professional skating! Though my knowledge was basically, skateboarding = Tony Hawk. I really enjoyed Leo's story and I loved that they are making space in Skateboarding for non-males. I hope this will spread to more sports and that they become more inclusive.
Small thing that bothered me
Read
January 2, 2022These are short personal essays for a teen audience, published in a pocketbook format; this one is the second one I've impulse borrowed from my local public library. It was an interesting read!
Leo Baker is a pro skater who's a trans masc nonbinary person; they came out while already a pro skater and experienced negative consequences from sponsors etc. that they describe in the book. But they didn't go back into the closet and ultimately it worked out better for them.
They talk a lot about how working on this part meant a lot to them and that they felt they could finally express their presentation the way they wanted:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnNr-...
I was surprised but also glad that the publisher let them name specific companies they had bad experiences with. I can vote with my wallet...
I also appreciated their frankness about their childhood in foster care, dealing with a parent trying to manage addiction. It wasn't something that is part of how media narratives of trans athletes are commonly told.
I would've liked to hear a bit more about what being nonbinary meant to them, there was an amount of discussion about being trans masc (which I thought was great), but not so much about that. But ultimately, this book was cool the way it was, and I'm glad that books like this can exist now.
_____
Source of the book: Lawrence Public Library
Leo Baker is a pro skater who's a trans masc nonbinary person; they came out while already a pro skater and experienced negative consequences from sponsors etc. that they describe in the book. But they didn't go back into the closet and ultimately it worked out better for them.
They talk a lot about how working on this part meant a lot to them and that they felt they could finally express their presentation the way they wanted:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnNr-...
I was surprised but also glad that the publisher let them name specific companies they had bad experiences with. I can vote with my wallet...
I also appreciated their frankness about their childhood in foster care, dealing with a parent trying to manage addiction. It wasn't something that is part of how media narratives of trans athletes are commonly told.
I would've liked to hear a bit more about what being nonbinary meant to them, there was an amount of discussion about being trans masc (which I thought was great), but not so much about that. But ultimately, this book was cool the way it was, and I'm glad that books like this can exist now.
_____
Source of the book: Lawrence Public Library
August 10, 2025
I’m rating this higher than I thought I would. Maybe because I don’t really care about skateboarding it was difficult for this book in the pocket change collective to hold my interest. But it gives great insight into misogyny in sports, and the roles women are expected to play. I love that the author Leo Baker found a way to stay true to themselves even if it took time to get there, and one quote in particular really hit home for me. Reading it was when I decided to add a star to my rating. ‘It’s a long process to remove the parts of ourselves we create to survive.’
March 8, 2022
A story about a queer skater from Covina is just a little more resonant when you're reading it as a queer person from Covina. It's a boring place here and it's kinda inspiring how someone was able to find themself and find hope and joy in what they love.
I don't know... this just hits different, in a good way.
I don't know... this just hits different, in a good way.
March 30, 2023
A good author and story can make a subject you may jave no interest in sound fun and intriguing. I have passively followed skateboarding since being a punk in high school, and beyond Tony Hawk, I'm oblivious. Owned a board at one point and was considering starting back up as exorcise, we'll see how that goes... but Leo's story was very engaging and the style (the VA helped) kept me listening.
They also told their life story, history of skating and, more importantly lack thereof for non-cis male straight folx in a record short time, proving memoir-writers don't need to be such goddamn wind bags.
LOL
Enjoyed immensely.
They also told their life story, history of skating and, more importantly lack thereof for non-cis male straight folx in a record short time, proving memoir-writers don't need to be such goddamn wind bags.
LOL
Enjoyed immensely.
June 16, 2021
I feel like I'm running out of things to say to praise the Pocket Change Collective books! Again, this was succinct, personal, highly quotable, and read like a TED talk. Now I want to find out more about skate culture in general and Leo Baker specifically.
April 1, 2021
“The importance of feeling at home in one’s body is a universal truth.”
I mean, wowzers. The gender divide in sports has always been VERY clear, but how do sports progress when it comes to trans and nonbinary individuals? Leo Baker tackles that divide in the skateboarding world and reminds us that we still have so far to go in making everyone welcome and accepted for who they are in the sports world.
I mean, wowzers. The gender divide in sports has always been VERY clear, but how do sports progress when it comes to trans and nonbinary individuals? Leo Baker tackles that divide in the skateboarding world and reminds us that we still have so far to go in making everyone welcome and accepted for who they are in the sports world.
February 6, 2022
Q: Are you a boy or a girl?
A: Does it matter?
Baker recounts what it was like to blaze a trail in the skating world when you are not a cisgender male and you want to skate on your own terms.
A: Does it matter?
Baker recounts what it was like to blaze a trail in the skating world when you are not a cisgender male and you want to skate on your own terms.
May 12, 2022
arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. thank you, Penguin!
Even if you have little to no knowledge of pro skating or skating competitions outside of media or Tony Hawk,
this pocket-sized memoir will draw you into the reality: the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and the tricks and the troubles. Skate for Your Life is a very short memoir from Leo Baker examining the intersection of their gender identity with their passion for skateboarding, an inside look at how despite being a sport built on freedom and self-expression, the restrictions society places on gender can bleed in and douse the fire of passion.
It's always difficult to rate nonfiction but most especially a memoir, since 'plot' and 'characters' aren't something I can judge as an outsider. Skate for Your Life works perfectly as a short dip into Leo Baker's thoughts about skateboarding and how they've been accepted for something they weren't, rejected for being themselves, and then coming around and carving that space and acceptance out for themselves and people like them. The writing could be a bit simplistic and clunky at times, but given the length of the essay I was able to find it endearing instead of tedious and hard to work through.
This memoir also really spoke to me as a non-binary reader. It's a really great look into the transmasc experience, and so many of Leo Baker's sentiments resonated with me. For being so short, this book really felt like it reached across the divide, both to hold up a mirror to readers like me and also offer a window for those who may not understand, but seek to. Plus, the illustrations inside are really cute, so that was a neat bonus.
If you're looking for a quick nonfiction read, consider picking this or other books from the Pocket Change series!
Even if you have little to no knowledge of pro skating or skating competitions outside of media or Tony Hawk,
this pocket-sized memoir will draw you into the reality: the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and the tricks and the troubles. Skate for Your Life is a very short memoir from Leo Baker examining the intersection of their gender identity with their passion for skateboarding, an inside look at how despite being a sport built on freedom and self-expression, the restrictions society places on gender can bleed in and douse the fire of passion.
It's always difficult to rate nonfiction but most especially a memoir, since 'plot' and 'characters' aren't something I can judge as an outsider. Skate for Your Life works perfectly as a short dip into Leo Baker's thoughts about skateboarding and how they've been accepted for something they weren't, rejected for being themselves, and then coming around and carving that space and acceptance out for themselves and people like them. The writing could be a bit simplistic and clunky at times, but given the length of the essay I was able to find it endearing instead of tedious and hard to work through.
This memoir also really spoke to me as a non-binary reader. It's a really great look into the transmasc experience, and so many of Leo Baker's sentiments resonated with me. For being so short, this book really felt like it reached across the divide, both to hold up a mirror to readers like me and also offer a window for those who may not understand, but seek to. Plus, the illustrations inside are really cute, so that was a neat bonus.
If you're looking for a quick nonfiction read, consider picking this or other books from the Pocket Change series!
October 11, 2023
Read as an audiobook
Until reading Skate for Your Life, I didn't know a thing about skateboarding, nor did I care to. This book suddenly made the sport way more interesting.
The author did a great job showing the double-edged sword of gender nonconformity. While Leo's fellow female skateboarders were breaking the barriers that often held girls back from participating in sports, those same barriers were what prevented Leo from representing their true self. Leo--Lacy--was born a girl, but wanted to be seen and identified as male. Only being queer in the skateboarding space got them nowhere. And when they dared to shed that skin, they were dropped like a hot potato. Even sadder is Leo is likely not the only queer person to experience this.
Skate for Your Life is very well written. It was insightful and informative read. I think I learned more from Leo's journey of gender non-conformity more than I did in my women and gender studies classes. That's because it's written in a more personal and emotional way rather than academic. This inspires more empathy than sympathy within the reader. It definitely worked, at least on me.
Until reading Skate for Your Life, I didn't know a thing about skateboarding, nor did I care to. This book suddenly made the sport way more interesting.
The author did a great job showing the double-edged sword of gender nonconformity. While Leo's fellow female skateboarders were breaking the barriers that often held girls back from participating in sports, those same barriers were what prevented Leo from representing their true self. Leo--Lacy--was born a girl, but wanted to be seen and identified as male. Only being queer in the skateboarding space got them nowhere. And when they dared to shed that skin, they were dropped like a hot potato. Even sadder is Leo is likely not the only queer person to experience this.
Skate for Your Life is very well written. It was insightful and informative read. I think I learned more from Leo's journey of gender non-conformity more than I did in my women and gender studies classes. That's because it's written in a more personal and emotional way rather than academic. This inspires more empathy than sympathy within the reader. It definitely worked, at least on me.
August 10, 2021
Leo Baker is a talented skateboarder who battled against those in their sport who tried to keep them from living life as it was meant to be lived. For some time Leo followed the dictates of those who funded skateboarding and encouraged them to show off a feminine hairstyle and clothing. Eventually, though, Leo realized that being true to themself was what mattered, thus, beginning to perform on their own terms. I enjoyed the descriptions of the competitions in which Leo participated as well as appreciating the discussion of gender expectations and finding a place and space of acceptance, both from self but also from others. This is a promising series that is a quick read but one that encourages readers to open their minds and hearts and see the world from a different perspective.
March 6, 2025
This wasn’t long enough!
I discovered Leo Baker’s music a couple of years ago, and then learned of his skating career a few months after that. Frankly, I’m surprised this was in my library’s catalogue. But while this short work is about Leo Baker’s life, it’s also about his paradoxically clear view (as someone shoved in the corner) on skateboarding culture’s anti-establishment background and its industry’s need for formula.
I wish he didn’t have to be a bastion for trans athletes, or anyone who has to constantly explain their existence; but it’s easy to appreciate Baker’s perspective and penchant for action, and I want to seek out more of his interviews and collaborations to try and get some of his articulation and clarity to rub off on me.
I discovered Leo Baker’s music a couple of years ago, and then learned of his skating career a few months after that. Frankly, I’m surprised this was in my library’s catalogue. But while this short work is about Leo Baker’s life, it’s also about his paradoxically clear view (as someone shoved in the corner) on skateboarding culture’s anti-establishment background and its industry’s need for formula.
I wish he didn’t have to be a bastion for trans athletes, or anyone who has to constantly explain their existence; but it’s easy to appreciate Baker’s perspective and penchant for action, and I want to seek out more of his interviews and collaborations to try and get some of his articulation and clarity to rub off on me.
June 2, 2024
“In this moving, personal story, professional skateboarder Leo Baker shares their journey within the sport and the importance of authenticity and allyship as a non-binary athlete. Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists. Your authenticity is your superpower. That's the motto that professional skateboarder Leo Baker lives by and champions.
But like any hero's journey, learning about their power didn't come easy. In this installment of the Pocket Change Collective, Baker takes the reader on a complicated, powerful journey through the world of skate and competitive sport as a non-binary athlete.”
But like any hero's journey, learning about their power didn't come easy. In this installment of the Pocket Change Collective, Baker takes the reader on a complicated, powerful journey through the world of skate and competitive sport as a non-binary athlete.”
July 13, 2025
Themes / Representation:
Non Binary Rep
Skateboarding
Gender divide in sports
I adore the Pocket Change collective.
Skate For Your Life focuses on gender divide in sports, living as a person outside of the gender binary, skateboarding and more. As someone who hasn’t followed skateboarding at all in their life, this was a super interesting read! Leo is incredible at pulling you in and gaining your interest in skateboarding, even if it’s not a hobby you were already passionate about.
I related to some of Leo’s experiences with gender, I think this book will help so many young LGBTQIA+ people feel supported and comfortable being themselves. A highly important, and quick read.
Non Binary Rep
Skateboarding
Gender divide in sports
I adore the Pocket Change collective.
Skate For Your Life focuses on gender divide in sports, living as a person outside of the gender binary, skateboarding and more. As someone who hasn’t followed skateboarding at all in their life, this was a super interesting read! Leo is incredible at pulling you in and gaining your interest in skateboarding, even if it’s not a hobby you were already passionate about.
I related to some of Leo’s experiences with gender, I think this book will help so many young LGBTQIA+ people feel supported and comfortable being themselves. A highly important, and quick read.
Read
January 13, 2026in general about the pocket change collective: these are such a good way to absorb new information quickly and efficiently. they introduce a great variety of important issues and every single one is a worthwhile read.
I liked this one a lot! Leo's voice has a way of storytelling that was really compelling. I don't know anything about skateboarding and would've never thought about the gendered dynamics of it before this. It really shows the benefits of supporting your kids and letting them thrive, even in an unconventional interest.
I liked this one a lot! Leo's voice has a way of storytelling that was really compelling. I don't know anything about skateboarding and would've never thought about the gendered dynamics of it before this. It really shows the benefits of supporting your kids and letting them thrive, even in an unconventional interest.
June 7, 2021
Leo gives a lot of insight on the issues in almost all sports especially when I comes to equality not only for women but those of the transgender community. We need brands and sponsors to be more inclusive to all types of people and their identities. I thought it was very inspiring to read how Leo is trying to change the community around him and impact those who have the love of skateboarding as well.
April 12, 2024
An inspiring collection of essays written by queer, trans-masc skater and activist Leo Baker! This is probably my favorite Pocket Book Collective I've read so far - the balance of Baker's personal experiences with skateboarding and discovering their queerness and informative realities of skateboarding was incredible. I love the connection that was drawn between gender and skateboarding - this pocket book made for an empowering mini memoir and a great crash course for the world of skateboarding!
June 7, 2021
I am such a huge fan of the Pocket Change Collective series and I think every middle school and high school libraries should carry them. They're basically long essays about experiences specific to the person writing about it. In Skate for Your Life, Leo Baker shares their story falling in love with skateboarding at a young age, pursuing it as a career and the obstacles it presented to them as gender-queer nonbinary person.
June 7, 2021
Be you.
Leo gives a lot of insight on the issues in almost all sports especially when I comes to equality not only for women but those of the transgender community. We need brands and sponsors to be more inclusive to all types of people and their identities. I thought it was very inspiring to read how Leo is trying to change the community around him and impact those who have the love of skateboarding as well.
Leo gives a lot of insight on the issues in almost all sports especially when I comes to equality not only for women but those of the transgender community. We need brands and sponsors to be more inclusive to all types of people and their identities. I thought it was very inspiring to read how Leo is trying to change the community around him and impact those who have the love of skateboarding as well.
July 2, 2021
“So, back to that eternal question – are you a boy or a girl? Does it even matter?”
Great insight into the backstory of Leo Baker, struggling to grow up and portray themselves authentically as they are in a predominantly cis male industry (Skateboarding with a capital S), whilst paving the way for females, queers and anyone not subscribing to society’s standards.
Great insight into the backstory of Leo Baker, struggling to grow up and portray themselves authentically as they are in a predominantly cis male industry (Skateboarding with a capital S), whilst paving the way for females, queers and anyone not subscribing to society’s standards.
October 10, 2021
Leo Baker is a trans masculine professional skateboarder who asks the question, “Why are there only two choices when it comes to being a boy or a girl?” As a kid, LB was often labeled a tomboy. Interesting background about the professional skating world. Another great addition to the Pocket Change Collective.
February 6, 2024
I loved this little book, definitely an important and necessary story.
Thought it would be a lot of the same stories from Leo's movie "Stay on board" but it wasn't and it's actually pretty amazing how they're both so different from each other and each so focused on what it wants to talk about and explore.
I'm holding this book very dear to me heart. To more trans masc representation 🍻
Thought it would be a lot of the same stories from Leo's movie "Stay on board" but it wasn't and it's actually pretty amazing how they're both so different from each other and each so focused on what it wants to talk about and explore.
I'm holding this book very dear to me heart. To more trans masc representation 🍻
May 18, 2021
Such a great and honest look into the path to doing what you love for the reason you love it and learning to be comfortable with being yourself and feeling comfortable forcing others to see you as yourself as well. I found this books really moving.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for my copy.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for my copy.
July 17, 2021
An inspiring book about someone who tried so hard to be seen for who they wanted to be. I read this on July 4th, Independence Day and that seems the perfect day to have done so. Positive examples of being successful are very important.
July 24, 2021
Baker reveals the sexism and lack of inclusivity that she faced in the Skate industry when she was a pro "female" skater. I learned something new, and as with all of the books in this series, it's enjoyable to meet new people and hear about their passions.
August 9, 2021
I didn’t know who Leo Baker was before reading this, but it was so interesting to learn more about skateboarding and his life.
I did notice a few comma/typographical errors in the book, which was surprising to me (haven’t seen that in other Pocket Change Collective books).
I did notice a few comma/typographical errors in the book, which was surprising to me (haven’t seen that in other Pocket Change Collective books).
February 13, 2023
I learned a lot about the lack of diversity in the professional skate scene and the way that gender norms impact that! I found this to be an intriguing memoir piece with a call to action in this setting.
January 3, 2024
3/5.
An interesting quick read that explores the crossover between gender and skateboarding with educational parts in both aspects. However, since it was so short, I feel like it didn't have any space or time to go into too much depth about anything.
An interesting quick read that explores the crossover between gender and skateboarding with educational parts in both aspects. However, since it was so short, I feel like it didn't have any space or time to go into too much depth about anything.
January 7, 2024
A lovely memoir of a non-binary athlete who struggled with their identity whilst following their dream. Even at times giving up their dream so they can become their most authentic self.
This was a lovely listen told by the author and I would recommend to anyone with an hour free
This was a lovely listen told by the author and I would recommend to anyone with an hour free
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews