Book Information
- Series: Lorimer Sports Stories
- Imprint: James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
- Publication Date: 5 February 2019
- Copyright Year: 2019
- ISBN: 9781459413979
- Page Count: 128
- Dimensions: 5" x 7.75"
- Interest ages: 10-13
- Reading level: Grade 2
Purchasing Information
The Playmaker
by Alex O'Brien
The story of a young girl who overcomes envy, prejudice, and her own problems with self-esteem to make a place on a new hockey team.
With no team in rural Innisfil, Zoey tries out for Bantam girls team the Barrie Sharks. She makes the cut and, knowing that the income from her family's farm won't cover the fees, pushes herself to overcome her shyness and try to raise her own funding. Zoey's talent and eagerness on the ice impress Coach Mikom, team captain Tia, and goalie Anika. But her skills challenge rich Mel for prominence on the team. Teammate Kat makes Zoey embarrassed by her rural background, and Zoey's shame at her father's behaviour at a game gives a player on another team the opportunity to bully Zoey, make her lose her temper and interfere with her game.
About the Author
ALEX O'BRIEN has played, watched, and coached several sports extensively. It was only natural that he'd come to write sports novels revealing the excitement and growth offered through competition. This book was inspired by the years Alex spent watching his daughter play in the Ontario Women's Hockey Assocation Lower Lakes Female Hockey League and his son in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association's Eastern AAA Hockey League. Alex lives in Parry Sound, Ontario.
Reviews
"Well-written, with an exciting action-driven plot and plenty of hockey lingo, it will be sure to engage not only the expected hockey enthusiasts, but also those looking to branch out to the sports novel genre."
Nicole Rowlinson, Resource Links
Subjects (BISAC)
JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / City & Town Life, JUVENILE FICTION / Lifestyles / Country Life, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Bullying, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance, JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Hockey
Subjects
Juvenile Fiction, Juvenile Fiction: Bullying & Conflict, Juvenile Fiction: Realistic Fiction, Juvenile Fiction: Sports, Juvenile Fiction: Sports: Hockey
Similar Titles
-
Bad Shot
A small-town basketball player is bullied by a teammate from a wealthier family. Set against the realistic backdrop of a struggling small town, Bad Shot explores the emotional realities of performance anxiety, socioeconomic status, and bullying.$8.99, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 4The Comeback
Soccer is the best medicine$8.99, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Lexile Reading Level: HL540LSliding Home
Fearing for his father in violent El Salvador, a young baseball player finds help from his community.$8.99, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL530LUgly Kicks
What will you give up when you can't afford to play?$27.99, HardcoverInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 600L
Scroll to Top