10+ Best Hockey Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for a young hockey enthusiast? Look no further! Our curated list of hockey books for 12-year-olds is packed with exciting picks that are sure to capture the imagination of any budding sports fan. From thrilling game-day adventures to inspiring stories of teamwork and perseverance, we've got it all. Keep reading to dive into the world of slapshots and hat tricks with our top selections!
Table of Contents
Fun Hockey Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Face-Off by Stacy Juba
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Family
- Synopsis: Twin brothers Brad and T.J. compete for a spot on their high school hockey team, but their rivalry extends beyond the ice. When family dynamics and school pressures come into play, they must learn to balance their competitive spirit with their brotherhood.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a relatable story that mixes the excitement of hockey with the complexities of growing up and dealing with family issues.
- Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and siblings who may be navigating their own rivalries.
- Power Play by Jake Maddox
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction
- Synopsis: When a new player joins the Wildcats hockey team, tension rises among the teammates. The players must learn to work together to win the championship and overcome personal conflicts.
- Why we recommend this book: It emphasizes teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of sportsmanship, making it a valuable read for young athletes.
- Perfect for: Kids who love team sports and stories about overcoming challenges.
- The Hockey Machine by Matt Christopher
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Steve Crandall finds a mysterious machine that improves his hockey skills overnight. However, he soon learns that relying on the machine might have more downsides than he thought.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of hockey with a touch of science fiction, showing the importance of hard work over shortcuts.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced sports stories with a twist of sci-fi.
- Breakaway: Beyond the Goal by Alex Morgan
- Genre(s): Biography, Sports
- Synopsis: Although primarily about soccer, this biography of Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan includes themes of sportsmanship and dedication that apply to all sports, including hockey.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides inspiration through the lens of a successful female athlete, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams with determination.
- Perfect for: Young athletes, especially girls, looking for a role model in sports.
- Checked by Cynthia Kadohata
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Family Drama
- Synopsis: Conor, a dedicated hockey player, must balance his love for the sport with his dog’s medical needs and the complexities of his family life.
- Why we recommend this book: It explores deeper emotional themes through the protagonist’s passion for hockey, offering a heartfelt look at priorities and personal growth.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a blend of sports action and emotional depth.
Educational Hockey Books for 12-Year-Olds
- Striking Out by Will Weaver
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Scott and his friends form a hockey team to compete in a local league, but they quickly realize that teamwork and dedication are as challenging off the ice as on it.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, conflict resolution, sportsmanship
- Why we recommend this book: It realistically portrays the ups and downs of forming and maintaining a team, making it a great read for those interested in the social aspects of sports.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about friendship, teamwork, and sports.
- The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier, illustrated by Sheldon Cohen
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Canadian Culture
- Synopsis: A young boy living in a small Quebec village orders a new hockey sweater from the iconic Montreal Canadiens, but receives a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater instead, leading to a humorous conflict.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical context, reading comprehension
- Why we recommend this book: It's a charming tale that integrates lessons about cultural identity and sportsmanship with a slice of Canadian history.
- Perfect for: Kids interested in hockey and cultural stories, as well as those learning about different perspectives and historical contexts.
- Ice Magic by Matt Christopher
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Pete Borden faces challenges on his hockey team, but everything changes when he finds a mysterious stick that seems to bring him extraordinary luck and skill.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, problem-solving, understanding the value of hard work
- Why we recommend this book: It combines an exciting sports narrative with a magical element that keeps readers engaged and encourages them to think about the real value of talent and effort.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love sports and a touch of magic in their stories.
- Home Ice Advantage by Tom Earle
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Family
- Synopsis: Angie lives and breathes hockey, but when her mother becomes the new coach of her team, she must navigate the challenges of having her mom on the ice with her.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, family dynamics, leadership skills
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique look at the dynamics of family involvement in sports and the pressures young athletes face.
- Perfect for: Readers who are athletes with family members involved in their sports or those who appreciate stories about female athletes and leadership.
- Hockey Hero by Zachary Hyman, illustrated by Zachary Pullen
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Coming of Age
- Synopsis: Tommy, a shy young hockey player, gets his chance to shine when he takes the place of his hockey hero brother during a big game.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, courage, and overcoming adversity
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that encourages readers to believe in themselves and step up when faced with challenges.
- Perfect for: Kids who dream of becoming sports heroes and need a boost of confidence to pursue their dreams.
Challenging Hockey Books for 12-Year-Olds
- King of the Rink by Roy MacGregor
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: Travis Lindsay, a talented young hockey player, uncovers a mystery involving his grandfather's past and a legendary game that could change his future.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines complex family histories with the intricacies of hockey, providing a multi-layered story that challenges readers to keep pace with both the sports action and the unfolding mystery.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling mix of sports and detective work, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for history and family legacies.
- Perfect for: Young mystery enthusiasts and hockey fans who enjoy a good puzzle along with their sports stories.
- The Hockey Saint by Howard Shapiro, illustrated by Marica Inoue
- Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Sports Fiction
- Synopsis: College sophomore and hockey star Tom Leonard befriends a professional hockey player, who turns out to have a complicated life off the ice, leading Tom to confront issues of heroism and morality.
- Why this book is challenging: This graphic novel explores mature themes such as idolatry, personal ethics, and the stark realities behind sports fame, presented through sophisticated artwork and narrative.
- Why we recommend this book: It visually and textually engages readers, offering a realistic look at the pressures of sports and the moral dilemmas athletes can face.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy graphic novels and are looking for a story that goes beyond typical sports tales to address deeper ethical questions.
- Off the Crossbar by Steven Sandor
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Drama
- Synopsis: Pavel Datsyuk moves from Russia to play junior hockey in Canada and faces cultural challenges and the high expectations of his new team while trying to stay true to his family's values.
- Why this book is challenging: The book delves into cultural assimilation and the personal conflicts that arise from moving to a new country, all within the context of competitive sports.
- Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant look at the struggles of adapting to a new culture while pursuing one's passion, offering a rich narrative that fosters empathy and global awareness.
- Perfect for: Young readers facing their own challenges of adaptation or those interested in stories of immigration and personal growth through sports.
- Under the Ice by Rachel A. Qitsualik-Tinsley and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Indigenous Folklore
- Synopsis: Inuit siblings Kataujaq and Nuniq plunge into an icy underwater world in a mystical version of hockey, where they encounter creatures from Inuit mythology.
- Why this book is challenging: The story incorporates elements of Inuit folklore, which may be unfamiliar to many readers, and uses a narrative style that blends fantasy with cultural education.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a unique fantasy that introduces readers to Inuit culture through a thrilling, mystical adventure, expanding their understanding of storytelling and indigenous traditions.
- Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and folklore who are curious about indigenous cultures and enjoy tales that merge the real with the surreal.
- The Skating Rink by Roberto Bolaño, translated by Chris Andrews
- Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: Set in a seaside town, various narrators recount the events leading up to a shocking murder, all revolving around the construction of a secret skating rink for a disgraced figure skater.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative's complex structure, with multiple viewpoints and a non-linear timeline, requires readers to piece together the story from different perspectives.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a sophisticated literary challenge with its intricate plot and deep exploration of human desires and motivations.
- Perfect for: Mature young readers who enjoy solving mysteries and delving into complex character-driven stories.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of hockey books and want to make the most of your reading experience, here are some fun and effective exercises designed especially for 12-year-olds. These will not only improve your reading habits but also make the reading process more engaging.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
- How it helps: Helps you stay focused and motivated to finish the book.
- Tips: Choose realistic goals that fit your schedule and adjust as needed.
- Create a Hockey Glossary
- What it is: Make a list of new hockey terms and their meanings as you read.
- How it helps: Enhances your understanding of the game and enriches your vocabulary.
- Tips: Use a notebook for this glossary, and try to use these terms in conversations about hockey.
- Discuss with Friends
- What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are also reading it or are interested in hockey.
- How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
- Tips: Organize a weekly book club meeting to discuss a chapter or two.
- Visualize the Game
- What it is: Imagine the game scenes from the book as if you were watching them live.
- How it helps: Increases your immersion in the book and helps you understand the dynamics of hockey.
- Tips: Draw scenes or use action figures to recreate pivotal moments from your reading.
- Summarize Chapters
- What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after you read it.
- How it helps: Enhances memory retention and ensures you grasp the key events.
- Tips: Keep your summaries concise and include main points and character developments.
- Predict the Play
- What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before you read the next part.
- How it helps: Engages your analytical thinking and makes reading more interactive.
- Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you read along.
Wrapping up, incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make your journey through hockey books not only educational but also a whole lot of fun. Give them a try, adjust as you go, and most importantly, enjoy every page you read!