It's Hockey Season (Volume 1)

by Jayne J. Jones Beehler, Cory Jones (Illustrator)

It’s Hockey Season tells the tale of two brothers, Blaine and Cullen, who love ice hockey and each other. Cullen is the all-star team captain and his brother Blaine, who has Down syndrome, is the team manager. Blaine is clearly the unsung hero of the team; his leadership and unselfish actions speak louder than words. Young readers are able to learn respect and a better understanding for the challenges individuals with special needs face on a daily basis.

64 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2021

About the author

Jayne J. Jones Beehler proudly wears many “helmets” including college professor, lawyer, author, wife, mother, advocate for children with disabilities, and is a lifelong fan of student athletics. A graduate of William Mitchell College of Law, this former live-in nanny, is passionate about children, education, foster care and adoption, and child abuse/prevention public policy. Jones Beehler worked for US Senator Norm Coleman from 2002-2006, then headed to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where she was the Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the House, Steve Sviggum.

Jones Beehler teaches political science classes at Concordia University-St. Paul where her students have gained national attention and praise for their legislative activities and involvement. Jones Beehler is proud of her work with Margaret's Missions, ensuring travelers with disabilities get access to see the world and enjoy life's greatest adventures! In 2013, Jones Beehler was the co-author of Capitol Hell, an eleven time national and international fictional book award winner.

Reviews

[Janelle]

Even though I am not in the target demographic for It’s Hockey Season, I still really enjoyed it – especially as a somewhat new fan of hockey myself. I also loved that it promotes the message that hockey is for everyone!

First, I really liked the illustrations and they really complemented the story. While the story is simple, it is still good. I loved getting to know Blaine and Cullen and how Cullen sometimes has to be reminded just how important his brother’s role as team manager is. I also loved seeing Blaine’s interactions with the referees and the coach and how they treat him with dignity. I also found the Downs Syndrome representation throughout the book to be pretty well done. I loved that through Blaine – who has Downs Syndrome – the author shows how even though he does have challenges, he is still able to do a lot , and in some ways is a better leader than his bother, who is the team captain.

Again, I really enjoyed this book, and I hope to get to read the other books in the series. I also appreciated that there was a glossary of hockey terms for those who don’t know them can look them up. Also the book was blurbed by several NHL players too! I can’t wait to pass this on to my future children.

*I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Hockey Season by Jayne J Jones Beehler begins her Drop the Puck series. I thought this was a great book for younger readers. The story is fun, entertaining and has a valuable lesson to learn. I liked it.

It's Hockey Season is illustrated by the talents of Cory Jones . The pictures perfectly follow the story and so vibrant and colorful that hard not to capture one’s eye. The younger readers will be captivated and be able to hold their attention and continue reading to find out what happens all the way to the end.

It's Hockey Season is getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for young readers who are between the ages of eight and twelve. I look forward to reading more books like this from Jayne J Jones Beehler in the future, as well as, reading the next installment from the Drop the Puck series, Hooray for Hockey Day!. This would make a great gift and a wonderful addition to the local or school library and even in a classroom for story time.

I received a copy of It's Hockey Season from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It’s Hockey Season" by Jayne J. Jones Beehler is a book written for younger children. It is a book about a hockey team and two brothers. This story shows that even if the brothers get upset with each other, there is still love for each other. This is also a story about Down syndrome. It teaches children that children that are different still has needs and in this particular book, Blaine who has Down syndrome saves the day. I believe this book should be in all school libraries as well as all public libraries because it teaches that each child needs to be treated with respect and it clearly shows that each person has value.

The book also shows that sometimes brothers get jealous of each other but this book shows that forgiveness is possible and makes things better.

I think this book would make a great tool to use to have a discussion with children about special needs and how siblings can work together for the family unit as well as a sports team.

I think children will enjoy the pictures as well.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready for a great book? It’s Hockey Season that lets you read about two brothers who both love hockey. They’re not the same though. One of the main differences is that one brother has Down Syndrome and that brings on its own little things that make the two different. But love and playing hockey bring them together.

Blaine is the team manager. He has down syndrome but he doesn’t let it stop him from doing what he loves which is hockey. His talent is keeping the team running so that they can keep playing. His brother is Cullen who is the star of the team. His talent is for playing hockey.

This was a great book showing the talents of two separate brothers and some of the things they do in life. It’s great for teaching kids how we are all different but all special.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may be a fast read but don’t overlook the valuable lessons packed in it. I absolutely loved how the author wrote a story that not only teaches about teamwork but how we should treat others. It is nice to read a book that talks about disabilities. The two brothers are close and seem to encourage each other. It was important for Blaine to be included in the hockey team. He made sure the water bottles were always filled and the hockey sticks were ready for each game.

This is the perfect book for children and adults to read as it shows how some people don’t treat others well who may be different. Even Blaine’s own brother is mean to him when his team doesn’t do well. Big cheers to Blaine for having a great attitude and showing others that working as a team is better than doing it on your own. Blaine may have a disability but he shows the team that he can still be valuable and help out. His encouragement to the team helps them change their attitude.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Hockey Season is a juvenile fiction book that is written by Jayne J. Jones Beehler. This is book 1 of 3 in the drop the puck series. I read this book with my 8 and 10 year old sons and we all enjoyed it very much. The boys enjoyed that it was a book about brothers, Blaine and Cullen. Both of these brothers love hockey and a new season is starting.

Blaine has Down Syndrome. We loved that this book created a character with disabilities since we have a neighbor with the same condition. It allowed the boys and I to have a great conversation about the disability. The books is a valuable lesson that some don’t treat those with disabilities well. Blaine and Cullen are close and encouraged each other. Blaine always kept a good attitude even when he wasn’t treated fairly.

We really loved the characters of this story. We loved the storyline. The boys are excited for the next book in the series.


I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own. 

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Hockey Season takes a sport many love and adds in a character with Downs Syndrome - making this a “what’s not to like” book. Author Jayne J. Jones Beehler presents Blaine and Cullen as two brothers who have their differences which may or may not be related to the fact that Blaine has Downs Syndrome. The majority of the story focuses on a single hockey game and the relationship between the brothers. I love the way the other characters help bring Cullen back to the point of supporting Blaine. Beehler has captured the personality of many pre-teens perfectly. Parents and teachers can use It’s Hockey Season to introduce their children to Downs Syndrome.
I look forward to reading other books in the Drop the Puck series.
It’s Hockey Season would be a great addition to a K-12 Christian school library. It would be appropriate for young elementary students.
I received a complimentary copy of It’s Hockey Season. This is my honest review.

[Suzie]

As a fan of hockey, the title of this book attracted me, but it’s the lessons inside of It’s Hockey Season by Jayne J. Jones Beehler that left an impression.

Yes, there is definitely some hockey happening throughout the book. Even more notably, there are some bad attitudes happening and young readers will see how poor temperaments affect others. Even brothers can hurt each other.

Beehler makes this story flow as she shares the importance of including everyone despite their differences and that, sometimes, it’s the quiet, unassuming person who can make the biggest difference.

The illustrations go well with the story, making It’s Hockey Season a great read for those little readers moving to chapter books. But this book is also a wonderful one to read as a family and discuss.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson]

As the mother to a child with special needs, I have seen first hand that children (and adults) can be mean to those that are different, and know the importance of teaching kids at a young age to accept those who are differently abled. Teaching through fictional stories is such a fantastic way to do just that, and this story does so beautifully with a story of two brothers, Blaine and Cullen, the first of whom has Down syndrome.

I found this to be a cute story for younger kids, and a great way to open the conversation about treating others with respect regardless of their differences. By using something like hockey and sports that kids might already enjoy, it draws them into the story in a way that is entertaining to them leading the way to a beautiful and very much needed message. We certainly need more stories just like this one!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

It always makes this mama heart happy to find books that are edifying to my kids lives. This one is one of those. It is the story of two brothers that love hockey but they have their differences the main one is that one of the brother's has Down Syndrome. I love that this books teaches perseverance against all odds. This is something we teach our kiddos and hope and pray they carry it with them through adulthood. No matter what the situation whether a physical or learning disability we can achieve anything if we have faith in ourselves and in God who gives us the strength and the ability to accomplish the things He wants us to.

Overall we really enjoyed the book. I used it as a read aloud to for our morning time. I encourage you to do the same or have your kiddos read it on their own. We enjoy reading together so we do that a lot!

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a goodie. While it is aimed at children, I think the adults sharing it with the children could learn some lessons also. It’s a short book but it has a lot packed in there. Sibling relationships and their issues, people with disabilities, and so much more.

This is one of those books you want to share with all younger kids so they are shown in a fairly direct but simple way how to treat others that are different. I truly loved the way the author handled that part of the book. It was a good story and I liked the lessons that are shown here.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[D.R. Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, It's Hockey Season is a great reminder of how our differences can make us stronger and those differences can be just what is needed in a time of uncertainty or even when morale needs to be boosted. The story starts off with two brothers Cullen and Blaine, who has down syndrome, heading to a hockey tournament. Cullen, who is the captain of the hockey team, does not appreciate Blaine's role on the team as the team manager. Throughout the book Cullen and Blaine learn valuable lessons about how others should be treated and that everyone brings something to a team no matter what position they have. The lessons in this book serve as great reminders to everyone who will read the book, no matter what age they are.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book focused on two brothers who have different talents, Cullen with his talent for ice hockey and Blaine with his talents for helping to keep the hockey team running. This was an excellent book for me to read with my school age children, since it sparked some excellent conversations! This was a wonderful start to this new series, and I look forward to reading the other books as they come out!

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

[R.j. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have three kids in hockey, and two of them are reading. They enjoyed this book, and thought it was cool. I loved the book because it is more than just a cool hockey book. My youngest hockey player has autism. I am eager to read more like this!