Hockey Superstars 2007-2008. Paul Romanuk. Toronto, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2007. 48 pp., pbk., $6.99. ISBN 978-0-545-99900-7. Subject Headings: Hockey players-Biography-Juvenile literature. National Hockey League-Biography-Juvenile literature. Grades 1 and up / Ages 6 and up. Review by Rosemary Hollett. *** /4

excerpt:

"He's dynamite. He's the best player I've seen since Mario. He's that good," says Gretzky.

If you guessed the player to be Sidney Crosby, then you must be a hockey fan or the parent of one. If so, you will be delighted to know that Paul Romanuk's Hockey Superstars is available once again this season. Crosby is just one of the 17 superstars featured in this 2007-2008 edition. There are five repeated players from last season including Crosby, Ovechkin and Matts Sudin. In comparing this volume to last season’s, I was happy to see that the information provided on these stars is new and their stats updated. New players to this edition include Daniel Briere, J.S. Giguere, Marion Hossa and Vincent Lecavalier. The proven format features a full colour poster photo of the stars in action, with stats and a short bio on the right hand page and the scoop on their careers plus a few fun facts on the left of the double page spread.

     For instance, "did you know" that Nicklas Lidstrom is a member of the "Triple Gold Club...." He's won the Stanley Cup, the World Hockey Championship and an Olympic Gold medal. Or that Martin Brodeur's father, Dennis, is one of the greatest hockey photographers in the history of the game.

     Extras included in this edition are listing of NHL teams with information on their colours, home arena, mascot, Cups won and nickname. There is also a visual/text reference of referee signals and what they mean which will be of interest to the novice player or fan. The issue is "interactive" in that there is ample space for readers to chart their favourite teams progress, end of season standings, playoff predictions, favourite players scoring records and favourite goaltenders records. Final team standing from 2006-2007 will benefit the hockey pool enthusiast, and a space for the countdown to the Cup 2008 for the Eastern and Western Conferences will bring the season to
an exciting conclusion.

     The edition finishes with a listing of the NHL awards, a short description of each, the winner from 2007 and room for readers to write their predictions for 2008. The format does not include a table of content or an index, but readers will quickly adapt to the layout, and any information is easily located.

     Scholastic has again produced a well organized, glossy publication. The style is breezy, informative and entertaining. At a cost of $6.99, every young hockey fan would enjoy a copy.

Recommended.

Rosemary Hollett is the Librarian of St. Emile School, Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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