Gretzky's Game

by Mike Leonetti, Mike Leonetti

Part of The Hockey Heroes series, Gretzky’s Game tells the story of a young boy who loves to play hockey. Because he’s small for his age, he’s always getting pushed around by the other players. However, he’s determined to make the team — even though it means a lot of extra practice just to pass the tryout. Throughout the long hours at the rink, the thrilling exploits of his hero, Wayne Gretzky, who is leading the Edmonton Oilers to their first-ever Stanley Cup, inspire him to keep trying. Hockey’s golden age is recalled in vivid detail in this tale of hard work, determination, and the importance of holding on to one’s dreams.

Genres: Childrens, Sports

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 2005

Reviews

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal illustrations in this book!! Stunning pictures.

[Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a kid named Ryan. Ryan loved hockey and he also loved Wayne Gretsky. He played house league hockey he wanted to play on the Oil Kings select team. His dad said to him don't worry if the coach says your too small he replied look at Wayne Gretsky he's small and look at how he's doing. Every day he practiced with his dad and brother. It was the day of the tryouts he skated his best and he made the team. That season he was sad because he had no goals and there was one game left. They were down 3-2 Ryan got a pass and scored he was so happy. After the game his dad bot tickets for the Stanly cup final Edmonton was up 3-1 in the series against the Rangers. Edmonton won the game and the cup. Later that summer Ryan made that same team and scored a lot. I liked this book because I relates to me was called short but I still made the team and I didn't score for a whole tournament but I scored 3 goals in my first regular season game

[Tom Bochnak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great hockey book for your beginning readers. It has a lot more text, and so there's a lot to read. It tells the story of a young boy and his fanaticism with hockey. The theme of the book is essentially, "work hard and you can be as great as Wayne Gretzky." I typically do not like the books that heap mounds of praise onto one individual; they don't feel 'real' to me. However, I have to remember that I'm not their target audience. Your sports-loving kids will dive right into this book. It even gives some history of hockey and Gretzky while interweaving the boy's story.

This would even work as a read aloud because the story is engaging.

[Ubalstecha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely illustrated story that chronicles Gretzky's rise to the pinnacle of Hockey success. The story told through the eyes of a young hockey player and fan, Ryan, who is inspired by Gretzky's small stature and work ethic to reach for his dreams.

Not quite a biography, not quite a story, it would be a nice purchase for a young hockey fan.