Elliot Jelly-Legs and the Bobblehead Miracle

by Yolanda Ridge, Sydney Barnes (Illustrator)

Overview

Is a magical Carey Price bobblehead the key to Elliot's success on the ice?

Eleven-year-old Elliot loves hockey and finally convinces his parents to sign him up. There’s just one problem: he can barely skate. But he is determined. He practices every chance he gets and even takes extra lessons. He is still miles behind the rest of his teammates in terms of skills and speed, though. So when the goalie gets injured, Elliot surprises everyone by offering to take his place. He figures his “jelly-legs” won’t be quite so obvious in net. He is wrong. The first game is a complete disaster. In desperation, Elliot begs his Carey Price bobblehead for a win. Both thrilled and surprised when his wish is granted, Elliot makes more wishes. His team keeps winning. But is the magic real? And what will happen if his teammates discover the secret to Elliot’s success?

With twenty-five hockey-card-style illustrations scattered throughout, this is a heartfelt story of friendship, hockey and the importance of believing in yourself.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459833791
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	02/14/2023
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	730L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Yolanda Ridge is the author of fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including Evolution Interrupted: How We Change Nature and How Nature Changes Us, CRISPR: A Powerful Way to Change DNA and Elliot Jelly-Legs and the Bobblehead Miracle. She has a master of science degree and is adept at making complex concepts understandable, a skill she uses in her science writing and teaching. Yolanda lives in Rossland, British Columbia.

Sydney Barnes is an illustrator and graphic designer with a life-long passion for books. She holds a master of publishing degree from Simon Fraser University and runs a design business called SJBarnes Design. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Editorial Reviews

2022-11-29
What is the secret to hockey success?

Though not naturally athletically gifted, Canadian sixth grader Elliot Feldner-Martel eats, sleeps, and breathes hockey—despite his unflattering nickname, Jelly-Legs, earned via his inability to stand upright on the ice. When a tightening of the family budget necessitates only one extracurricular activity, Elliot chooses hockey, overriding parental objections—they are not a sports-minded family—with compromises to make it work. Still, it’s a long, rough road. Elliot ends his first practice of the new season quite discouraged, but effort and his teammates’ support help him gain confidence and skill. His family slowly comes around, too. Inspired by a book about First Nations goalie Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, Elliot starts wishing upon his Carey Price bobblehead, and when this seems to work, he becomes convinced that this talisman has magical powers. Ridge’s ebullient novel is also a crash course in Canada’s favorite sport, taking readers on a learning curve in tandem with the lovable hero, who narrates in an awestruck first-person voice. Elliot is a highly appealing underdog, and Ridge’s valuable lessons on dedication, teamwork, and self-esteem land deftly with humor and refreshing honesty. The personal and financial sacrifices involved in his commitment to hockey add authenticity and depth. Charming spot art, consisting primarily of sports cards, enhances the text. Elliot reads White; the supporting cast is ethnically diverse.

A sweet sports story with both head and heart in the right places. (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews