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Multi award-winning children's author, Donna McDine's creative side laid dormant for many years until her desire to write sparked in 2007. With four early reader children's picture books to her credit, A Sandy Grave (January 2014),Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010) and her latest children's picture book Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters (December 2015) McDine’s adventures continue as she ignites the curiosity of children through reading. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, New York State Reading Association and Family Reading Partnership.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Hockey Agony by Donna M. McDine revolves around Larry and sports. Larry is unable to play any sport because of a broken leg so he is given the duty of running the clock during the big hockey contest. The story actually begins from there. The illustrations make the read very visual.
The book contains multiple emotions, beautifully entwined in the story so that a child can actually understand them perfectly. Larry and the sensation of walking on crutches, and his inability to participate in sports like other boys of his age permeates through the book. The teasing he receives because of his broken leg is realistically portrayed.
Hockey Agony takes a new twist when his teammate asks him to cheat by turning the clock in their favor. Larry is caught off guard by that request and he does not know what to do. Larry's emotional upheaval is well portrayed here. Children who are into any sport will find this book enjoyable because it deals with the details of a game, the winning spirit, and the good and the ugly side of competition.
Larry's emotional and physical pain, and the thoughts that race through his mind make the book emotional for the reader. Will Larry listen to his teammate and cheat or will he uphold his ideals and do the right thing?
