My Left Skate: The Extraordinary Story of Eliezer Sherbatov

by Anna Rosner

WINNER, Red Cedar Nonfiction Award
FINALIST 2024-25 SNOW WILLOW AWARD
Based on extensive interviews,  My Left The Extraordinary Story of Eliezer Sherbatov  is a first-person biography of a Jewish teenager who had it all on the hockey guts, drive, and exceptional talent. When a freak accident leaves him with a permanent disability and no feeling below his left knee, everyone believes Eliezer's career is over - everyone except his mother, a professional power skating coach. She teaches Eliezer to skate using the muscles in his upper leg, and after two and a half years of operations and rehabilitation, he returns to the rink to become one of Quebec's elite junior players. Still undrafted at age nineteen, Eliezer embarks on a professional career in Europe in the hopes of one day returning to the NHL. His travels lead him to France, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and to Poland, where he lives and plays hockey just a few kilometres from the Auschwitz death camp, haunted by memories of the past. In its stunning conclusion,  My Left Skate  describes Eliezer's life in Ukraine and his struggle to escape from war after Russia invades the very region in which he plays. "Eliezer Sherbatov scores a hat trick with  My Left Skate . This story is wonderfully gritty, inspiring, joyful at times and sad at other moments. He deserves to be a hockey hero for all that he has survived." - Marty Klinkenberg,  The Globe and Mail

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2022

About the author

Anna Rosner is the award-winning author of two hockey biographies for young readers, as well as short fiction, scholarly articles and essays. Her historical novel, Eyes on the Ice, was released by Groundwood Books in September of 2024. It is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and is short-listed for the 2025 Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, the 2025-26 Diamond Willow Awards, the Langley Book of the Year, and the 2025-26 Red Cedar Award. Anna's fourth book, Last Year with Maddy (Great Plains), will be published in April of 2026.

Reviews

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea who Sherbatov was before, but I can definitely say he's on my radar now! Rosner does a phenomenal job at helping him tell his story, one that I never expected to hit so hard and be so interesting. Not only was this inspiring to hear about a player with a disability, but it was also interesting for someone who knows a bit about hockey but not the background, this had a ton of great information about how players move through leagues along with the trials of actually making it into one. From one Canadiens' fan to another, you've got this.

[Hannah State · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Eliezer Sherbatov teaches us about patience, perseverance, and being true to yourself. It inspires us to overcome both mental and physical challenges and look beyond our limits. This is a wonderful story, beautifully written, that I would recommend to everyone.

[Sidura Ludwig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a hockey fan, but I couldn't put this book down. Eliezer Sherbatov's story is so compelling, it reads like a movie. Rosner does a beautiful job making his voice come alive. A perfect book for an upper middle grade or YA reader looking for a true-life inspiring story.

[Calvin Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a YA book this was great. The story deserves a more detailed telling.

[Vadim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing. Couldn’t put it down.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible story of perseverance and courage. Highly recommended for all ages.

[JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will appeal to just about everyone. It touches on immigration, political violence, and love of sport and family. Eliezer Sherbatov is an extraordinary person.

[TMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a terrific story, even for the adult that I am. Each chapter is more interesting than the last. A real page-turner and a truly inspiring work.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story of the triumphs and trials of this talented athlete.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An extraordinary story indeed.

[Lori Emilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story that deserved more details.

[SD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story of a talented hockey player who overcomes a potentially devastating injury to make a real career in Europe and Quebec. His escape from Ukraine at the start of the war is riveting.
Great read!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not familiar with Eliezer Sherbatov when I picked up this book, but his story of overcoming adversity to play the sport he loves is inspiring and timely. Reflecting on his life’s challenges and successes, Sherbatov says “I see a boy who loved hockey and was willing to do anything to play. I am still that boy, and always will be.” This story of the triumph of the human spirit and the relentless drive to pursue a goal will have you cheering for the teenaged Sherbatov, as well as the man he has become.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superbly told narrative of human resilience, kindness, and courage, Eliezer Sherbatov's life story is nothing short of astounding. It is written for young adults but should be read by anyone who needs reminding of the truly amazing things that human beings can accomplish in the face of adversity.
This is not a book about politics. However, I must add that if you want to know the difference between a serious country (Israel) and an unserious one (Canada), read the harrowing chapter "An Unexpected War".

[Tziporah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no interest in hockey but I was so riveted by Eliezer Sherbatov's amazing story in this well-written biography that I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend for the hockey-loving kids and adults in your life, and even for the hockey-indifferent ones!