Brainstorm 260: Winter Sports Reads #2

While the world is watching the Winter Olympics, I thought it would be a good time for some winter sports reads again. You'll notice this is Winter Sports Reads #2. That's because I shared some winter sports reads previously in Brainstorm #158 so see it as well for even more winter sports reads (I'm not repeating any titles for today's blog).  Click on each title below to see my full review plus any content notes/trigger warnings.

A Good Team (Unicorn & Yeti, #2) by Heather Ayris Burnell, ill. by Hazel Quintanilla

Unicorn and Yeti try to play with a ball but Unicorn is having trouble until they make a modification to the game. Unicorn then convinces Yeti to do a running race, even though Yeti has doubts as to whether it will be fun. And finally the two friends try out ice skating together.

A humorous graphic novel read that features two friends who have different strengths and weaknesses in sports but that doesn't mean they can't have fun together.

Target Readers:

Friendship Story Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Leveled Reader Fans, Unicorn Lovers, Yeti Lovers, Fantasy Fans, Humor Fans, Sports Fans, Picture Book Readers

 

Hockey in the Wild (Life in the Wild) by Nicholas Oldland

Beaver, Moose, and Bear are super excited for the lake to freeze enough to play hockey. But it is taking a LONG time. Waiting is hard. Is it even worth it?

If you need a good laugh pick this one up. Oldland's illustrations are hilarious.

Target Readers:

Humor Fans, Forest Animal Lovers, Hockey Fans, Waiting Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

 

Ice Breaker: How Mabel Fairbanks Changed Figure Skating by Rose Viña, ill. by Claire Almon

A picture book biography of Mabel Fairbanks who never was allowed to compete in major ice skating events because of her skin color, but who coached and campaigned to help make sure the next generation could break the color barrier in skating.

An inspiring picture book biography of a girl who went from homeless to a performing skater, catalyst for social change, and mentor/coach for world champions.

Target Readers:

African American History Studiers, Inspirational Reads Fans, Picture Book Biography Fans, Ice Skating Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Lower Grade Readers

Skater Girl (Babymouse, #7) by Jennifer L. Holm, ill. by Matthew Holm

An ice skating coach notices Babymouse’s skills on the pond and recruits her to do some serious training with hopes of big trophies and Olympic gold. At first Babymouse is thrilled to know her skills have such promise, but after several days of grueling training, she isn’t sure trophies are worth the lack of sleep…or cutting cupcakes out of her diet.

This has lots of potential for good conversation starters with those kids who watch the Olympics and now have dreams of becoming a pro athlete. How hard are you willing to work for your dream? And of course, being Babymouse, it is also quite funny.

Target Readers:

Graphic Novel Fans, Wanna Be Pro Athletes, Ice Skating Fans, Babymouse Fans, Humor Fans, Reluctant Readers, Middle Grade Readers

Ski Soldier: a WWII Biography by Louise Borden

A free verse biography of Pete Siebert who grew up loving skiing and joined a special division of the US military that included men with skiing and mountaineering experience. Siebert was so good at skiing he actually instructed others in his division before they were shipped off to Italy for WWII. During a daring attack, Siebert was severely wounded and was told he may never walk again. But he persevered through rehab and went on to join the 1950 US Olympic team, and after that created the Vail ski resort.

There are photographs on almost every single page spread of this book, and it is quite pleasing aesthetically as well as being a fascinating true story.

Target Readers:

Biography Fans, Olympic Athlete Story Fans, WWII History Buffs, Skiing Fans, Beautiful Book Fans, Free Verse Fans, Quick Read Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Young Adult & Adult Readers (though approachable to upper Middle Grade)