wad3mil3sgarru2's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book about a young boy's passion for hockey (and his dog). At times it was difficult to remember that Conor was only 12(!) given his maturity about his life, the discipline needed to excel at the sport he loves, and his love for Sinbad. Much like Open Ice, Conor has to question what life would be like without hockey, since paying for Sinbad's cancer treatments means less money for his private hockey lessons and training; unlike that earlier book, this is a book I can happily share with my students. Even better, all the characters, even the minor ones, are fleshed out to some extent, sometimes in surprising ways.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
5.0
Gripping read - I think middle grade readers will find themselves falling into this story. A highly competitive hockey player who must decide between his sport and his sick dog. Very well written.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Conor lives for hockey. His father briefly played in the NHL and it is his goal to make it there as well. He lives just north of Los Angeles, where the youth hockey scene has been gaining more and more momentum. His father, now a police officer, spends a lot of time driving Conor to the various rinks around the city for practices and lessons. His hockey routine and training is described in great detail. They don't have money for extras after hockey, but that's okay because they both love it so much. Everything is going well as Conor gets ready for the AAA team tryouts, until he finds that his beloved doberman Sinbad has cancer. Now he has to make some tough choices because chemotherapy for the dog was not in their budget. But Conor is smart and resourceful, and he finds a way to make everything work. A must read for dedicated hockey players, grades 5 and up. Some of the details about Conor's father's police work are for an older reader.
(On an entirely different note, I find it hard to believe that the aunt in Long Beach would drive up to Canyon Country to help out, but maybe that's just me. Also glad to see Simi Valley mentioned! Though I don't think you can actually get here in half an hour from Canyon Country. Again, if you're not familiar with LA geography, it won't even register.)
(On an entirely different note, I find it hard to believe that the aunt in Long Beach would drive up to Canyon Country to help out, but maybe that's just me. Also glad to see Simi Valley mentioned! Though I don't think you can actually get here in half an hour from Canyon Country. Again, if you're not familiar with LA geography, it won't even register.)
abigailbat's review against another edition
There was a lot I liked about this book - Conor is a great character with a funny, realistic voice. There were turns of phrase that I really appreciated and times that I felt like Conor was talking just exactly like an 11-year-old boy would. There is a ton of detail about hockey that fans and players of the sport will enjoy but that didn't bog down the story for a non-hockey reader. And fans of pet stories will love how dedicated Conor is to his sick dog. But overall, I think the point gets lots along the way. It's a VERY long book (400 pages!) and will need dedicated readers to see it through. Kadohata takes on a LOT in this story and I wasn't always clear how it was connected. I felt like the story dragged in parts and there wasn't a lot of resolution - the story seemed to just end.
Hand this to elite sports players and/or hockey fans who won't shy away from thick books.
Hand this to elite sports players and/or hockey fans who won't shy away from thick books.
aconant's review against another edition
2.0
A 2020 MCBA book
I’m going to start by saying I really like Cynthia Kodohata. I really enjoy her books. Especially Half a World Away and A Place to Belong. Please read both those books.
I was excited to see what she would do with a book about Hockey. Here are the notes I took while I read.
First, it’s a Really slow start. Most of the time you are Getting to know dad and son. However, Overall I don’t find that much is revealed.
The book contains lots of details about hockey. Hockey fans I’m sure will relate and love. Non-hockey fans are left behind a bit feeling overwhelmed by the schedules and left without some of the passion behind it.
About 20 percent into the book and I
felt like let’s get going. It reminded me a bit of a stream of consciousness where we are along for the ride. I couldn’t help thinking something bigger was coming but it never really does.
Somehow I’m not connecting with the characters.
Lot of focus is on money, not having it that is. I wonder if kids really focus this much on money? Do other kids want to read about it? I have no idea.
Some behind the scenes information for those who don’t know much about hockey. A new found appreciation for the commitment by parents and kids.
Some students might find the squirrel and rabbit scenes difficult. Not sure what they add to the story. It’s a bit bizarre for the reader. I think I would need to talk out some of those scenes, I bet different perspectives will come up with lots of different ideas about why they are important to the story.
Some interesting cop perspectives. I wonder how students will view these given the current events.
Overall I will likely not be pushing this book hard and I will be interested to hear from students how they like it.
I’m going to start by saying I really like Cynthia Kodohata. I really enjoy her books. Especially Half a World Away and A Place to Belong. Please read both those books.
I was excited to see what she would do with a book about Hockey. Here are the notes I took while I read.
First, it’s a Really slow start. Most of the time you are Getting to know dad and son. However, Overall I don’t find that much is revealed.
The book contains lots of details about hockey. Hockey fans I’m sure will relate and love. Non-hockey fans are left behind a bit feeling overwhelmed by the schedules and left without some of the passion behind it.
About 20 percent into the book and I
felt like let’s get going. It reminded me a bit of a stream of consciousness where we are along for the ride. I couldn’t help thinking something bigger was coming but it never really does.
Somehow I’m not connecting with the characters.
Lot of focus is on money, not having it that is. I wonder if kids really focus this much on money? Do other kids want to read about it? I have no idea.
Some behind the scenes information for those who don’t know much about hockey. A new found appreciation for the commitment by parents and kids.
Some students might find the squirrel and rabbit scenes difficult. Not sure what they add to the story. It’s a bit bizarre for the reader. I think I would need to talk out some of those scenes, I bet different perspectives will come up with lots of different ideas about why they are important to the story.
Some interesting cop perspectives. I wonder how students will view these given the current events.
Overall I will likely not be pushing this book hard and I will be interested to hear from students how they like it.
jshettel's review against another edition
2.0
This book will appeal to kids who play ice hockey and dog lovers. Two stars for the mediocre dialogue.
slapshottechnology's review against another edition
4.0
Decent read. Liked seeing the focus on hockey and seeing everything he had to do to succeed.
withthebanned's review against another edition
4.0
Well this one got me in the feels.
"Heart dog. That's a once-in-a-lifetime soul-mate dog."
"Heart dog. That's a once-in-a-lifetime soul-mate dog."
moggmogg's review against another edition
4.0
Conor is obsessed with two things hockey and his dog, Sinbad. Money is tight--he lives with his single father who is a cop but they make due. When Sinbad gets sick; Conor has some hard choices to make. MG Hockey; Dogs; Cancer; Family