This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Inga Buccella for Readers' Favorite
The Hockey Banner Battle by Melissa Ahonen is a fast-paced children’s story with a simple but meaningful and uplifting message. Easton, who knows hockey, is a new student at a school in Michigan. He is both excited and nervous to try out the ice at the local outdoor rink. Since he is the “new boy in town,” he is a bit insecure at first. But he joins in a pickup game with some players on the Fox hockey team and quickly overcomes his fear of rejection. In fact, he begins to shine! The other players are impressed and offer to ask their coach about Easton helping the team score a win against their biggest rival, the Vipers. The winning team will display its banner. At the end of the story is a helpful glossary of terms because the play-by-play game description is full of hockey lingo.
Melissa Ahonen has filled a void in the children’s book genre with The Hockey Banner Battle. As an author myself, I appreciate this positive story of perseverance and consider it refreshing that the classic values of camaraderie, persistence, and teamwork play such a pivotal role in the plot. This book is relatable to any child who may feel fearful or insecure when joining a team or just a group of kids. As an illustrator, I am impressed by how the vibrant illustrations by Leo Brown complement the story perfectly. The colorful images jump off the pages. I think that young readers will be fascinated by the action-packed artwork, and the storyline will win them over. Ahonen has surely scored a goal in penning The Hockey Banner Battle!
