Irene Punt

Jake's Review: So mom, can you get me more of this series (hmm, I know what Mommy is going to buy at Chapters tomorrow for Jake for Christmas). This book was really cool mom and nice and easy to read. I didn't want to put it down (mom's note: had to turn the light off in his room to get him to stop reading it). It is funny, exciting and I really, really liked it. I think Brian would like it because it is about hockey and we KNOW how much he likes hockey. I liked the main boy Tom. He's really show more good at hockey and he is funny and does really nice things without being too girly. I wish the book was longer.

Jake's Rating: 10/10

Mom's Review: I'm surprised Jake liked this so much, since it is about hockey, and he pretty much knows nothing about hockey (I know a Canadian boy who isn't into hockey, shame, shame). I love it when Jake reads a book and wants to read more, so even before I read this book, I gave it a 10/10. Anything that grabs a boys attention and encourages them to read more is cool with me. I liked how the author wrote about kids working together to do something without making it too goody goody, that appeals to boys. The boyish humour and the way the characters interact with each other will definitely appeal to boys in the 7-9 range. A nice chapter book with a non obvious or overly sugary lesson in teamwork, responsibility and friendship . Oh yeah and it is obviously Canadian, which is nice too.

Mom's Rating: 10/10

We received this from Scholastic in exchange for an honest review and Jake would just like to say that he has the best Mommy in the whole world for getting him this book -- Jake's note I did not say that Mom, I said thanks for getting me this book show less

As a 2010 Shining Willow nominee, I was very disappointed. This is the early chapter book nominee and a good portion of the story revolved in the aftermath of singing "Bottles of Beer" (even though it was Root beer). I just think with all of the quality books out there to have this as a nominee was surprising and disappointing. A lot of the humour would go over the intented audience. So why bother?

Go Hawks, Go! The Glenlake Hawks are having a great hockey season - on the ice and in the dressing room. Tom and his friends take some of their team spirit to the classroom and the schoolyard. But after a funny presentation in the class they are sent to the principal's office. Can the boys use hockey teamwork to save the day?

Jeff the Ref! Tom really like his babysitter, Jeff. So do his friends. Jeff plays road hockey with them after school, and now he's a referee at the local arena. But when he calls penalties against their team, the boys get mad and say things they regret. Can Tom and his friends patch up the mess and play by the rules?