Middle Grade Review: Breaking the Ice

 

Harper loves hockey. She used to eat, sleep, and play hockey. But ever since her competitive nature accidentally injured a teammate, she took herself off the team. She hasn't put skates on since. Harper can't quit all together, which is why she has a job at the hot chocolate place at the rink. 

She befriends a new boy - Jason, who's been making waves in the figure skating world. She's enjoyed talking with someone who doesn't know about her past. He challenges her to get back on the ice. 

For Harper it's not that simple. Then she's pressured into mentoring a younger hockey player. Harper keeps herself sidelined, but it's getting harder and harder. Will her old friends and her new friends help her break her self-imposed ban from the ice?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. There's a little bit for everyone here: sports, friendship drama, romance, and healing. It's about believing in yourself. I felt badly for Bea, Harper's best friend. And I'm glad she pushed herself back into Harper's life. I like how all the athletes had different pressures on them but also how they worked through them. I loved the showcase at the end. Warning: it WILL make you want to drink hot chocolate and maybe experiment with flavors. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

 Previously Published as: Cocoa Crush

Library Recommendation: A great sports book with a little romance and a lot of hot chocolate. Highly recommended for your school and public library. 

Review: Fake Skating

 

Dani and Alex used to be best friends every summer. But they broke up - each believing the other ghosted them. Now Dani's moving back to town. It's the middle of senior year and she's been wait listed at Harvard. She's trying to impress them, but it's hard when you're a military brat and you move all the time. Her social anxiety doesn't help matters either. 

Alex isn't thrilled to see Dani. Things have changed since they saw each other last. He's become a hockey god. Last year his hockey team fell short of their championship goal. This is the last chance. Alex feels like a weight is on his shoulders. He needs to go pro in hockey in order to help his family. But his shoulder is hurt, his reputation isn't great, and he's caught in a compromising position with Dani,

What's the most logical thing to do? Pretend to fake date his ex-best friend. What could go wrong?

My Thoughts: I loved this book; I didn't want it to end. I loved the fake dating. I loved untangling what really happened all those years ago between Alex and Dani. I loved their banter (Although there was a nickname that I didn't love - just a nitpicky thing that kept pushing me out of the story). I loved Mick and his hockey status - especially how he made all the guys around him act. I loved how he admitted that he was wrong and worked to make it up to Dani. I hated Dani's father. I loved that Dani and Alex were both readers - and those lunches in the library were perfect. I loved the moments between friends. This is my first Lynn Painter and it won't be my last.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable - BUT there's no figure skating in the book, so it's a bit misleading

Source: My Library (an ARC did arrive for me after the book release)

Library Recommendation: A must have book for you school or public library collection.

Booklist: Hockey

 

Lately, I've been reading hockey books. I thought I would create a booklist

Books Included:

It's a Love/Skate Relationship

Being Sloan Jacobs

Icebreaker

Michigan vs. the Boys

Off the Ice

A Cold Day in the Sun

Bea Mullins Takes a Shot

On Thin Ice (currently checked out from the library)

* If you love the figure skating books, here's a list for you

Middle Grade Review: Bea Mullins Takes a Shot

 

Bea Mullins had trouble with basketball. When gym is canceled, Bea needs to figure out a sports credit. She reluctantly joins the hockey team, secretly hoping they won't have enough girls to make the team. When the team start practicing, Bea isn't great at skating. She's nervous that she will make a fool of herself.

The first game doesn't go well; they're forced to play the best team in the league. Bea skates away from the puck, rather than embarrass herself further. She has a hard time passing the puck. Unfortunately, one of her classmates films their games. They create a video compellation of all their mistakes. Bea is so embarrassed, but the other girls lean into the videos, even creating some of their own. 

Gabi, a team member, starts helping Bea with her hockey skills. The hockey team doesn't have much funding, so they have to fundraise. Bea and her best friend Celia brainstorm ideas to help earn some cash. Could she find herself happy being on the hockey team?

My Thoughts: I loved this book; it was five-star read. I love girls sports books. This book was such a good read with all the drama: sports, friendship, and a little bit of romance. Bea's family were fun and supportive. I loved her Dad, and the hockey moments. I felt bad for Bea and how she struggled sharing her feelings. I understood her lack of enthusiasm for being on camera making a fool out of herself. I loved the romance between Bea and Gabi. This is Emily Deibert's debut novel and it was amazing. I can't wait to see what she writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

 Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school or public library.

Feminist Read: Michigan Vs The Boys

When the girl's school hockey team is cut due to lack of funding, Michigan isn't sure what to do. She's busted her butt for years.  She doesn't want to stop playing but she's not sure about any other options. Even though the high school cut the team, Michigan's still hopes to play in college. But when a crazy idea occurs to her - to try out for the boy's team - she goes for it.

And she makes it.

But she never thought about what would happen after she made it.
She never thought about the coach's sexist behavior. She never thought about the harassment and pranks her fellow teammates would play on her. And she never imagined she's be the star of the team.

But what happens when everything becomes so much worse than she imagined? At what point should Michigan speak up?

My Thoughts: I loved this book but it also made me seethe with anger. I Hated the boys on the hockey team. I hated the coach. I wanted justice and revenge so very badly. My heart broke for Michigan and all that she went through. The ending was nicely done. I loved the idea of the girl's hockey team with friends supporting each other. I enjoyed Michigan's relationship with Jack. I really loved Trent (her brother) and their relationship. I loved Meghan and how she looked up to Michigan. I couldn't put this book down, I Had to find out what happened and if those boys would get what they deserved. I want another book about Michigan STAT! 

And this is a debut. I'm excited to see Carrie S. Allen writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Check Please

Helloooo, Internet Land. Bitty here!

Y’all... I might not be ready for this. I may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! First of all? There’s checking. And then, there is Jack—our very attractive but moody captain. (Summary from the publisher)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I'd been hearing about it for AGES and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. Here's what I liked about it:
Pies
Hockey
Friendships
College
Vlog
Embarrassing Parents 
Bitty
Jack
And that ending!

I want more immediately!


Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Review: my First Book of Hockey

Introduction to the game of hockey - the rules, the equipment, and how the game is played

My Thoughts: This book is perfect for a child learning about hockey. The test is limited, but very informative. The pictures combines with the illustrations are great. The cartoon text adds humor to the book. An excellent way to learn about the sport.

Review: Hockey: then to wow

A history of hockey.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. Confession: I know almost nothing about hockey, so it was enjoyable to learn about the history of the sport. I loved the photographs, the trivia, and the layout of the book. It's a great overview of the game.

I only wish there had been more mention of women in the sport. There was a two page spread of great women players, but there were opportunities throughout the book for more mentions.

Hockey fans young and old will enjoy this book.