Book Description

In the days of Roch’s childhood, winters in the village of Ste. Justine were long. Life centered around school, church, and the hockey rink, and every boy’s hero was Montreal Canadiens hockey legend Maurice Richard. Everyone wore Richard’s number 9. They laced their skates like Richard. They even wore their hair like Richard. When Roch outgrows his cherished Canadiens sweater, his mother writes away for a new one. Much to Roch’s horror, he is sent the blue and white sweater of the rival Toronto Maple Leafs, dreaded and hated foes to his beloved team. How can Roch face the other kids at the rink? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Classic Canuck Childrens Book Hits Home with American Dude
The Hockey Sweater is such a nice little childrens book that can melt the heart of any hockey fan no matter how old. The book is great for young people, the illustrations are adorable and there is some hockey history laid in the book as well. It is a nice look back on a semi-forgotten time and it is nice to introduce old-school hockey to the youngsters. I am going to read this book to my nephew once he is old enough and if that is not recommendation enough to get your hands on this book yourself, then I am lost for words.

Great Candian Classic
Every Canadian or kost can relate to this book. It will make you want to go play hockey today. This good is great to read to those young kids that play hockey.

A True Canadian Classic
All Canadians can identify with the character in this book, be they Montreal, Toronto, Detroit or other hockey teams fans. Everybody who grew up standing in hockey rinks, playing on the ice or dreaming about getting back on has gone through what the main character has. This is a true example of Canadian culture and can also be applied to other sports.

A Canadian Classic and a Must Read for All
The story of a young Quebecois mortally dismayed at having received the wrong hockey sweater (of the hated Toronto Maple Leafs, no less) has become a true Canadian classic. A very readable story suitable for kids of all ages.

All the best things about loving hockey!
My husband and I saw the short film that the book was based on (or vice versa) and were completely enchanted. When I saw The Hockey Sweater at our local bookstore, I bought it immediately and have shared it with everyone who remembers standing in the freezing cold at outdoor skating areas, listening to sticks crack on anything that could be used as a puck. There's no way not to love the innocence, beauty and evocative illustrations, especially if you love all of the good things about ice hockey, and remember the joy in following a favorite team - no matter what! ... Read more

Book Description

As spring arrives in the tiny village of Ste. Justine, the boys’ thoughts turn from hockey to the town’s annual, and informal, boxing tournament. Roch is beaten by the Côté brothers again, strong farmer’s lads, and he decides next year will be different. He orders barbells to build up his muscles, training all winter long, and dreams about finally winning the tournament after enduring years of humiliation. He will not be beaten this year. He will be a champion. When the day for the tournament arrives, Roch wins – in a way. ... Read more

Book Description

Away from home and off to a seminary boarding school for the first time, Roch finds he is expected to playbasketball. It’s seen as an important tool for facing life’s challenges if he is “to go very far on the road of life.” And so begins the latest in Roch’s sports misadventures as fear of failure sends him running into the night and terrors worse than those on the basketball court. It all leads to a surprise ending as he finds his own way of making his mark. ... Read more

Book Description

The preparations for the joyous New Year’s Day celebrations of Roch’s childhood began long before winter came. In the summer, his grandmother made her cherry wine. The neighboring villagers painted and repaired their sleighs in anticipation of the winter’s parade. When the big day finally arrives, it is a whirlwind of activity: the cooking and eating of the lavish feast, the arrival of visitors and distant relatives, the singing and dancing, and the family blessing. In the end, Roch knows who to thank for such a wonderful day. ... Read more

Book Description

“The longest home run in the history of baseball was hit by a girl.” So begins a baseball misadventure in the village of Ste. Justine. This time, a strange girl named Adeline shows up at the daisy field where Roch and his friends play baseball all summer. She proceeds to hit a towering home run…right through the window of the crankiest man in town. Adeline has other powers as well, which Roch and the boys discover at a magic show. But without the baseball, the game cannot go on. When Adeline literally disappears, who do you think has to get the ball back? ... Read more