Thursday, August 15, 2013

Hockey Agony, A Story of Peer Pressure


Larry hobbles up the steps of his school.  His crutches support his broken leg.  He feels his coach will blame him for not being able to play on the team.  To the contrary his coach gives him a job that is of great importance and a responsibility that requires integrity.  Larry’s friend thinks he should be loyal to his team mates first, and honesty can take a hike when it comes to a winning score for their team. 

Hockey Agony written by Donna McDine and illustrated by Julie Hammond is a story to serve many adolescents who come up against decisions that could alter the way they see things and eventually send them down the road of dishonesty.

This is a great book for kids to identify with the pressure of issues they are faced with many times over.  Most kids want to be honest, but many weaken under peer pressure. Does Larry stand up to an arena of cheering fans, or does he falter and help his team to victory?   I recommend this book for pre/teens, as life lessons and assurance back up what most kids feel when faced with the pressure of their peers.

Because this book is filled with teenage emotion, excitement, and worry about what their friends might want, I deem this a great book for boys and girls.  I give Hockey Agony five ***** stars and a hockey stick!  

This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.

Purchase This Book Here:



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23 comments:

  1. Donna McDineAugust 15, 2013 at 11:06 AM

    Hi Susan,

    Thank you for your heartfelt book review of Hockey Agony. We appreciate your time and effort.

    Warm regards,
    Donna

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 15, 2013 at 4:01 PM

      You're welcome Donna. It's a great book, and a much needed subject..

      Delete
  2. Deb HockenberryAugust 15, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    Hi Susan,
    This sounds like a great book for kids and parents alike. I can't wait to read it!
    http://www.debhockenberry.com

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 15, 2013 at 4:02 PM

      Thanks for your support Deb. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Delete
    2. Donna McDineAugust 21, 2013 at 4:46 AM

      Hi Deb,

      Thank you for stopping by and lending your support, much appreciated.

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
  3. Janet Ann CollinsAugust 15, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Sounds like a great book, Susan. And I don't think I've seen any others that are similar. I hope it makes a difference in the lives of lots of kids.

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 15, 2013 at 4:04 PM

      I have no doubt Jan. I enjoyed reading this book, and know it will be a support to many children.

      Delete
    2. Donna McDineAugust 21, 2013 at 4:48 AM

      Hi Janet,

      Hockey Agony was inspired by watching my children, nieces and nephews compete in sports and often times unfortunately watching the behavior of many adults was appalling.

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
  4. Nicole weaverAugust 15, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    A much needed book, in my opinion. There is so much pressure on kids to be dishonest. Teaching high school , I am around so many students that struggle with peer pressure. Thanks for the great review and huge congrats, Donna. I am wishing you great success with the book.

    Nicole Weaver
    Award-winning Trilingual Author
    http://nicole-weaver.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna McDineAugust 21, 2013 at 4:49 AM

      Hi Nicole,

      Thank you for visiting and sharing your experience with your students and peer pressure.

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
  5. Susan HornbachAugust 15, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    You're so right Nicole. You're welcome for the review and thank you for stopping and lending your support for Donna and her wonderful book.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Karen CioffiAugust 15, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    Wonderful review, Susan. Donna, congratulations on what sounds to be an important book for kids. Best wishes for its success!

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 15, 2013 at 4:47 PM

      Thank you Karen. Donna writes on an important subject. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
    2. Donna McDineAugust 21, 2013 at 4:50 AM

      Hi Karen,

      Thank you for your support, much appreciated.

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
  7. penelope anne coleAugust 15, 2013 at 6:05 PM

    Hi Susan, This sounds like a good book for teens dealing with tough issues of right v. wrong, peer pressure, being true to themselves, developing integrity, and standing up for their beliefs. Thanks for the thoughtful review.

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 16, 2013 at 10:10 AM

      Hi penny, Thanks for commenting. This is an important book for MG / young teens. Peer pressure is such a problem when kids are not sure of themselves. I appreciate your support.

      Delete
  8. Linda A.August 16, 2013 at 5:30 AM

    Susan,
    Sounds like a book on how to handle more than a hockey stick. I loved the award you presented! Thanks for posting this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 16, 2013 at 10:12 AM

      Well it's usually a lollipop but this time I thought it fitting to throw in a hockey stick, lol.
      Thanks so much for stopping by Linda.

      Delete
    2. Donna McDineAugust 21, 2013 at 4:51 AM

      Hi Linda,

      Thank you for stopping by and lending your support!

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
  9. UnknownAugust 17, 2013 at 5:01 AM

    Wonderful review, Susan. And Donna, this is such a timely topic, one that is reflected in the news constantly. Good luck with it, and thanks for reviewing it, Susan!

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    Replies
    1. Susan HornbachAugust 17, 2013 at 5:52 PM

      Hi Nancy , thanks for coming by and lending support to Donna. It is a much needed book, and an engaging story for kids.

      Delete
    2. Donna McDineAugust 21, 2013 at 4:52 AM

      Hi Nancy,

      It's so sad the constant news articles on terrible behavior of adults at children's sporting events. One time at a basketball game a player from another team was so embarrassed by her father's behavior she actually stopped, looked at her father and told him to be quiet. How sad.

      Thanks for your support!

      Best,
      Donna

      Delete
    3. Susan HornbachAugust 21, 2013 at 2:55 PM

      My pleasure Donna! Parents do get a bit involved at times. They just want everything for their children and forget to let them handle some of it on their own.
      I remember parents making silly a$$es of themselves when my kids were growing up. It only embarrasses the child and makes them want to quit. You're right it is sad.

      Delete

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