10+ Best Hockey Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to fuel your 9-year-old’s passion for hockey? Look no further! Our curated selection of Hockey Books for 9-Year-Olds is packed with exciting stories that capture the thrill of the game and the lessons learned both on and off the ice. Whether your young reader is a seasoned player or just a fan of the sport, these books are sure to score. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will keep them turning the pages faster than a slapshot!
Table of Contents
Fun Hockey Books for 9-Year-Olds
- The Magic Hockey Stick by Peter Maloney, illustrated by Felicia Zekauskas
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: This charming tale revolves around a young girl who receives Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick at an auction. Miraculously, she starts playing amazingly well, leading her to wonder about the power of the stick.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and magical story that combines the excitement of hockey with a whimsical twist that keeps the pages turning.
- Perfect for: Young hockey fans and readers who enjoy stories about sports and magic.
- Brady Brady and the Great Rink by Mary Shaw, illustrated by Chuck Temple
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Brady Brady is obsessed with hockey and dreams of having his own backyard rink. This dream becomes a community project that brings everyone together.
- Why we recommend this book: It emphasizes teamwork, community spirit, and the joy of sharing a passion with friends and family.
- Perfect for: Kids who love hockey and stories about community and teamwork.
- Face-Off by Jake Maddox
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction
- Synopsis: Twin brothers battle it out on and off the ice as they cope with challenges in school, on their hockey team, and with each other.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a realistic look at the complexities of sibling rivalry and teamwork, both in sports and in life.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced sports action and stories about family dynamics.
- The Hockey Machine by Matt Christopher
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
- Synopsis: When a young hockey player gets a chance to play with a machine that improves his skills, he discovers that there's more to hockey than just being the best player.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches important lessons about sportsmanship and the true essence of playing sports.
- Perfect for: Young athletes and fans of stories where technology meets traditional sports.
Educational Hockey Books for 9-Year-Olds
- Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet by Matt Napier, illustrated by Melanie Rose
- Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Sports, Alphabet Book
- Synopsis: This book takes young readers on an A to Z exploration of hockey, covering everything from famous players to the basics of the game.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, vocabulary related to hockey, historical and contemporary knowledge of the sport
- Why we recommend this book: It's educational yet fun, providing a thorough introduction to the world of hockey through engaging illustrations and rhymes.
- Perfect for: Young readers just starting to learn about hockey or those looking to expand their alphabet and sports vocabulary.
- Hockey Hero by Zachary Hyman, illustrated by Zachary Pullen
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: Tom, a shy young player, gets his chance to shine in the rink when he's given a shot at playing in a big game.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, teamwork, overcoming shyness
- Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that encourages kids to believe in themselves and their abilities, even under pressure.
- Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and any child who needs a boost in confidence.
- The Highest Number in the World by Roy MacGregor, illustrated by Geneviève Després
- Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: 9-year-old Gabe Murray is a talented hockey player who is disappointed when she receives a jersey with the number 9 instead of her favorite 22. Her grandmother then tells her a story about a legendary player who wore the number 9.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge of hockey, appreciation for legacy and tradition in sports
- Why we recommend this book: It connects young readers to the rich history of hockey through a relatable and heartwarming story.
- Perfect for: Young hockey fans and readers interested in the stories behind the numbers and legends of the game.
- My First Book of Hockey: A Rookie Book by Sports Illustrated Kids
- Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Sports
- Synopsis: This beginner's guide introduces the basics of hockey, including rules, equipment, and play, using simple explanations and vivid photographs.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of game rules, familiarity with sports equipment, basic strategy of hockey
- Why we recommend this book: It's a visually engaging and informative primer that makes the complexities of hockey accessible and exciting for young readers.
- Perfect for: Kids new to hockey who need a straightforward and visually appealing introduction to the game.
Challenging Hockey Books for 9-Year-Olds
- Checking the Boards by K.L. Denman
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
- Synopsis: A young hockey player, Jack, faces the challenges of balancing team dynamics, school responsibilities, and personal growth as he navigates through a pivotal season.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel introduces complex themes of sports ethics and personal responsibility, encouraging young readers to think critically about their actions and decisions.
- Why we recommend this book: This story not only entertains with its exciting hockey scenes but also offers valuable lessons on maturity and ethical decision-making.
- Perfect for: Advanced young readers interested in sportsmanship and personal growth through sports.
- Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating by Rose Viña, illustrated by Claire Almon
- Genre(s): Biography, Sports, Historical
- Synopsis: Although not solely about hockey, this biography details the life of Mabel Fairbanks, a pioneering African American figure skater, and her impact on ice sports, including hockey.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex historical and racial challenges, providing a different perspective on ice sports.
- Why we recommend this book: It's inspiring and educational, highlighting the importance of perseverance and breaking barriers in sports.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical sports figures and stories of overcoming adversity.
- Skate the World: Photographing One World of Skateboarding by Jonathan Mehring
- Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Sports, Photography
- Synopsis: This visually stunning book captures the global culture of skateboarding, including ice skating and hockey, through breathtaking photographs and stories from around the world.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces a global perspective and requires interpretation of visual storytelling along with textual information.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique look at sports culture through photography, expanding young readers' understanding of sports in different contexts.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are visually oriented and interested in sports and global cultures.
- The Prodigy by John Feinstein
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Mystery
- Synopsis: A teenage golf prodigy finds himself caught in a high-stakes game that teaches him about integrity and the real price of success, with parallels to competitive sports like hockey.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel intertwines sports with a thrilling mystery and explores deep ethical questions.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that teaches about the pressures of sports and the importance of integrity.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of suspense, sports, and ethical dilemmas.
- Goalie Interference by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess
- Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Poetry
- Synopsis: Told through a series of dynamic poems, this book follows the journey of a young hockey goalie who must overcome personal and athletic challenges to succeed.
- Why this book is challenging: The poetic format requires readers to engage with the text in a more interpretive way, enhancing their literary skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the thrill of hockey with the beauty of poetry, offering a unique reading experience that celebrates language and sport.
- Perfect for: Young readers who love sports and are interested in exploring different forms of storytelling.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're looking to get your 9-year-old into the exciting world of hockey through reading, you've made a great choice! Books can not only enhance their understanding of the game but also build strong reading habits. Here are some fun exercises to help them along this journey.
- Set a Reading Goal
- What it is: Decide on a number of hockey books to read each month.
- How it helps: Encourages consistent reading and helps in setting achievable targets.
- Tips: Start with a small, manageable number and gradually increase it.
- Create a Hockey Reading Corner
- What it is: Dedicate a special place in the house for reading hockey books.
- How it helps: Creates a special and comfortable environment that can make reading more enjoyable.
- Tips: Let your child personalize the space with hockey posters or their favorite team’s colors.
- Hockey Book Club
- What it is: Form a book club with friends who also enjoy hockey.
- How it helps: Enhances reading comprehension and analytical skills through discussion.
- Tips: Meet once a month to discuss a book everyone has read.
- Match the Book to the Game
- What it is: Read a book about hockey before watching a live game or movie about the sport.
- How it helps: Provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the game.
- Tips: Choose books that align with the hockey season for timely relevance.
- Illustrate a Scene
- What it is: Draw a scene or a concept from a hockey book.
- How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of what was read.
- Tips: Use a variety of materials like crayons, markers, or paints to make it more engaging.
- Summarize the Story
- What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter or the whole book.
- How it helps: Improves memory and comprehension of the story.
- Tips: Encourage them to share their summaries with family or friends.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Take turns reading the book aloud with your child.
- How it helps: Builds fluency and confidence in reading.
- Tips: Make it interactive by discussing the story as you go.
These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of your child's love for hockey. By incorporating these activities into their routine, they'll not only learn more about the sport but also develop a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading and scoring big in the game of books!