Children’s book beautifully captures 1940s era

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Books
Mary Ann Gallagher

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The Rocket

Written by Mike Leonetti

Illustrated by Greg Banning

Scholastic Canada, $19.99

Recommended for ages 6 and up.

In typical Leonetti fashion, this new book tells the story of an old hockey player. In this case, it is none other than Maurice (The Rocket) Richard.

Set in the 1940s, Andre is an aspiring young hockey player whose older brother, Marcel, is a star in his own right. Andre is tired of being compared to his older brother.

The siblings do, however, share a love of the Montreal Canadiens and enjoy sitting by the radio every Saturday night to listen to the play-by-play commentary. Despite the Canadiens' history of losses, the team had promise for the 1943-44 season. With Richard on the team, Andre and Marcel were sure this was the year the Canadiens would bring home the Stanley Cup.

Throughout the school year, Andre played his best and ended up scoring 10 goals. His team lost to the team from St. Francois. There was a boy on this team who shone like no one else. "He owned the puck. It seemed like it never left his stick."

Andre empathized with the boy because he was often taunted by the other players about his even better older brother. Andre knew what this felt like.

In late March, Andre went to his first NHL game at the Forum. As he and his Dad sat down, Andre recognized the boy next to him. It was the boy from St. Francois. As expected, The Rocket played an amazing game and ended up scoring five goals in a 5-1 game! Imagine if The Rocket was your brother and you were being compared to him?

Greg Banning has really captured the 1940s era in the clothing and styles of the characters. As with his other hockey books, these realistic illustrations add to the beauty of this story’s message to be yourself and try not to worry about what others say about you.

Mary Ann Gallagher owns Benjamin’s Books in Rothesay. Discuss books with her by visiting www.benjaminsbooksbanter.blogspot.com.