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list price: $7.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook
category: Children's Fiction
published: Oct 2020
ISBN:9781459823617
publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Hockey Night in Kenya

by Danson Mutinda & Eric Walters, illustrated by Claudia Dávila

tagged: hockey, friendship, orphans & foster homes
Description

“This simple story of discovery, sport, and friendship is filled with likable characters and innocently joyful moments...Delightful.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Kenyan orphans, Kitoo and Nigosi, spend their days studying, playing soccer, helping their elders with chores around the orphanage and reading from the limited selection of books in their library. When the librarian gives Kitoo a copy of Sports Around the World he becomes fascinated by an image of the Canadian national men's ice hockey team. Then one day the fates align and Kitoo finds a pair of beat up old roller blades, he teaches himself to skate and dreams of one day playing hockey like the men in his book. But you can’t play ice hockey in Kenya, can you?

About the Authors

Danson Mutinda’s parents, Ruth and Henry Kyatha, co-founded the Hope Development Centre orphanage with Eric and Anita Walters in 2007. When Henry passed away, Dansen became patron of the program. He and his co-author, Eric Walters, worked together to write this story of two energetic and joyful children who are based on many of the children they work with at the centre. Danson lives in Kikima, Kenya, on the grounds of the orphanage.


Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 125 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 100,000 students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.


Claudia Dávila is the author-illustrator of Super Red Riding Hood and the illustrator of ThunderBoom. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two kids.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
6 to 8
Grade:
1 to 3
Reading age:
6 to 8
Awards
  • Short-listed, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Award
  • Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
Editorial Reviews

“Offers a good starting point for children in learning about and discussing different cultures. Playful black and white, full and half-page illustrations provide moments to stop and reflect upon the boys’ life, friendship and adventures. Recommended.”

— CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Uplifting and welcome. The book allows young readers to learn about life in an orphanage in rural Kenya.”

— Sal's Fiction Addiction

“I quite enjoyed this book about Kitoo and his friend best Nigosi. The pair have a great friendship, encouraging each other to be the best, while embracing their differences and their similarities.”

— Book Time blog

★ “This simple story of discovery, sport, and friendship is filled with likable characters and innocently joyful moments...Delightful.”

— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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