Description
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.
Author Bio
Yolanda Ridge is the author of three books in the Orca Footprints series, What Poo Can Do, Microbes to the Rescue and Beyond Earth, as well as two other juvenile nonfiction titles from Annick Press. She’s also written several middle-grade novels, including two environment-themed titles for Orca Young Readers. 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. She 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.
Prizes
- Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) ChoicesCommended 2024
- CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selectionCommended 2023
Review Quotes
“Has all the thrills and chills of a hockey game…readers will also find solace in the lessons Elliot learns about sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience and persistence.”
— Canadian Children's Book News“Entertaining and insightful. Discussions of athletes’ mental health… and of sexism in traditionally male sports are welcome moments."
— Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin–MadisonBiographical note
Yolanda Ridge is the author of the middle-grade novel Inside Hudson Pickle and the juvenile nonfiction title CRISPR: A Powerful Way to Change DNA, both of which were Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. She has also written two environment-themed novels for the Orca Young Readers line, Trouble in the Trees and Road Block. She has a master of science degree and is adept at making complex concepts understandable—a skill she uses in her writing, teaching and author visits. She lives in Rossland, British Columbia.
Sydney Barnes is an illustrator and book designer with a lifelong passion for books. She illustrated the children’s book Painted Fences. 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.
