by Eric Zweig
Scholastic, 2013
ISBN 978-1-4431-1952-8
$19.99, 125 pp, ages 10 – 14
scholastic.ca
The Big Book of Hockey for Kids is filled with data, stats and pictures and covers a vast amount of information about Canada’s favourite sport. Topics that are thoroughly discussed include hockey’s beginnings and, for those interested in playing, specific equipment requirements. Eric Zweig, a veteran sports writer, also highlights interesting facts, NHL records and the trophies awarded to teams and individual players. The text is engaging and easy to read and gives a real sense of what it would be like to be involved in the sport at all levels from playing to coaching and broadcasting.
Classroom Connections: This book is ideal for students in grades 5 to 8 who are inquiry based learners or for teachers who need a motivational tool for their students who eat, sleep and breathe sports, especially hockey. Answers to questions such as how equipment is used or who holds the record for most points in a game are easily searched. Having the students design a new trophy and creating specific criteria to win that piece of hardware is one activity that would foster creativity. Using connecting as a reading comprehension strategy is applicable as students can directly relate to the sport, especially with the 2014 Olympics around the corner.
Review by Joseph Forte.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Jan/Feb 2014 issue.