SkateKey presents twenty-two childhood stories told by men and women connected by a metal gadget, the skatekey, a popular tool used to make a roller-skate fit onto a skater's shoe. This collection of memoirs emphasizes diversity- multicultural and religious family backgrounds. Each roller-skating story takes place during a specific time period in American history: The Great Depression-1920s-1030s, World War II-The 1940s, The 1950s, The Civil Rights Movement-1960s, and The 1970s. Some stories are funny while others present the hardships and struggles of children growing up during difficult times. SkateKey arouses nostalgia and includes authentic photos of the times and places represented in the stories.