11/01/2019
Gr 3–5—Brief biographies will get readers up close and personal with their favorite hockey stars. Though the page count is low, the books are packed with information. Connor McDavid was only the third player ever to get "exceptional player" status and play junior hockey a year early at age 15. Auston Matthews chose to play professionally in Sweden instead of waiting to be old enough to be drafted into the U.S. National Junior League. Patrick Kane didn't make the under-17 national team the first two times he tried out because coaches thought he was too small, but that didn't stop him from helping the Chicago Blackhawks win their first Stanley Cup in 49 years. Though not all of the players have brought their team such a prestigious award, the play-by-plays in each book are fast-paced and fun. VERDICT A well-written sureshot for hockey fans.