10+ Best Hockey Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that will slide as smoothly into your 10-year-old's routine as a puck on ice? You've hit the right spot! Our roundup of hockey books for 10-year-olds is packed with picks that are sure to captivate young minds and inspire future rink stars. Keep reading to discover our favorite selections that celebrate the thrill and joy of hockey!

Fun Hockey Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Magic Hockey Stick by Peter Maloney, illustrated by Felicia Zekauskas
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This charming story revolves around a young girl who receives Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick at an auction. Miraculously, she starts playing incredibly well, leading her team to victory after victory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the excitement of hockey with a touch of magic, making it a captivating read that encourages imagination and the love for sports.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and any child who loves a story where dreams come true.

• Face-Off by Stacy Juba
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Family
  • Synopsis: Twin brothers Brad and T.J. compete for a spot on their high school hockey team, but their rivalry intensifies when family secrets and school responsibilities come into play.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's not just about hockey; it also explores themes of family, competition, and personal growth, making it a multifaceted and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy family dynamics in stories and those dealing with sibling rivalry or teamwork.

• Hockey Hero by Zachary Hyman, illustrated by Zachary Pullen
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Coming of Age
  • Synopsis: Timid Tom is a young boy who dreams of being a hockey star like his older brother. When he finally gets his chance to shine, he faces his fears and discovers his own path to success on the ice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of overcoming fears and finding personal strength, perfect for building confidence in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young athletes and any child who needs encouragement to chase their dreams.

• Breakaway by Maureen Ulrich
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: Jessie McIntyre, the new girl in town, tries to fit in by joining the boys' hockey team, where she not only faces challenges on the ice but also navigates complex teenage relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses important themes like gender roles in sports and the challenges of adolescence, providing both entertainment and valuable lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers looking for a strong female protagonist and those interested in stories about inclusion and resilience.

• The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier, illustrated by Sheldon Cohen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Canadiana
  • Synopsis: A young boy living in a small Quebec town outgrows his beloved Montreal Canadiens sweater, and his mother mistakenly orders a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater from the department store.
  • Why we recommend this book: This iconic Canadian tale captures the passion for hockey and the cultural rivalry between two major teams, wrapped up in a humorous and heartfelt story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love hockey and anyone interested in a slice of Canadian culture and history.

Educational Hockey Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet by Matt Napier, illustrated by Melanie Rose
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Alphabet Book
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers through the alphabet, using each letter to introduce a different aspect of hockey, from A for Arena to Z for Zamboni.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet knowledge, vocabulary related to hockey, understanding of the game and its history
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines learning the alphabet with hockey facts, making it both educational and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young hockey fans and beginners who are just learning to read.

• The Greatest Hockey Players of All Time by Andrew Podnieks
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Sports Biography
  • Synopsis: This book profiles some of the greatest hockey players in history, detailing their careers, achievements, and impact on the sport.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, historical knowledge, sportsmanship
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers inspirational stories of sportsmanship and dedication, ideal for motivating young athletes and fans.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in sports history and fans of biographical stories.

• My First Book of Hockey: A Rookie Book by Sports Illustrated Kids
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Aimed at beginners, this book explains the basic rules and concepts of hockey through simple explanations and vivid illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic understanding of hockey rules, sports terminology, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great starter book for young kids to get acquainted with the sport of hockey in a very accessible format.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and children new to the game of hockey.

• Hockey Science: 25 Winning Experiments by Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the science behind hockey, with experiments and activities that explain concepts like friction, momentum, and energy in the context of the game.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific thinking, experimental skills, understanding of physical science principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning scientific principles fun and relevant by connecting them to the exciting world of hockey.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and hockey players interested in understanding the mechanics of their favorite sport.

• Hockey: Then to WOW! by Sports Illustrated Kids
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Sports History
  • Synopsis: This book shows how the game of hockey has evolved from its humble beginnings to the present day, highlighting changes in equipment, rules, and playing styles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of sports evolution, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive look at the history and development of hockey, encouraging appreciation for the sport's heritage.
  • Perfect for: Hockey fans and readers interested in the history and evolution of sports.

Challenging Hockey Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Checking Line by Steven Sandor
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of young hockey player Leo, who moves to a new town and struggles with the pressure of playing on a junior team while dealing with off-ice issues including bullying and family dynamics.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book tackles complex themes such as mental health and social challenges, presented through the lens of competitive sports.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look at the pressures young athletes face and encourages empathy and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate sports stories with deeper social and emotional layers.

• Home Ice Advantage by Tom Earle
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Family Drama
  • Synopsis: The story centers on Jasmine, a talented young goalie who must navigate the complexities of her family life while striving to make it big in the world of hockey.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features sophisticated themes of ambition, personal sacrifice, and the dynamics of a family dependent on the success of a young athlete.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling narrative that balances the excitement of hockey with poignant family challenges.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in stories that blend sports with significant life lessons.

• Off the Crossbar by Steven Barwin
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The protagonist, Kyle, dreams of becoming a top hockey player but must overcome various obstacles including his own doubts and external pressures.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into the psychological aspects of sports competition, emphasizing personal growth and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores the mental and emotional aspects of sports, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond just the physical demands.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a more introspective look at the life of a young athlete.

• The Hockey Machine by Matt Christopher
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When young hockey star Skipper is kidnapped by a hockey-obsessed scientist, he must use his wits and skills to escape and return to his team.
  • Why this book is challenging: The plot combines elements of science fiction with sports, creating a unique narrative that challenges the reader's imagination and logical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an adventurous and thrilling story that keeps readers engaged while celebrating the spirit of teamwork and innovation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fast-paced stories that combine sports with elements of science fiction and adventure.

• Face-Off at the Altar by Stacy Juba
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: Hockey player Chris is forced to confront his past and present feelings when he unexpectedly reunites with his high school sweetheart at a friend's wedding.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas, intertwined with the pressures of a professional sports career.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of love, redemption, and personal growth amidst the backdrop of a competitive sport.
  • Perfect for: Older readers who enjoy a blend of romance and sports, and those interested in character-driven stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the exciting world of hockey books, developing good reading habits can really enhance your experience. Here are some fun exercises tailored for 10-year-olds to help you get the most out of your reading time. Let's check them out!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many pages or chapters you want to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps manage your reading time and gives you a clear target to hit.
  • Tips: Start with small goals and increase them as you get more comfortable.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a special spot in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and makes reading time something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Book Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form a group with friends to discuss the book you are reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of what you read.
  • Tips: Meet regularly and prepare questions to make discussions more engaging.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and remember the sequence of events.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or turning points.

• Character Diary
  • What it is: Write diary entries from the perspective of a character in the book.
  • How it helps: Improves empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
  • Tips: Choose different characters throughout the book to write about.

• Predict the Play
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before you read on.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many you got right as you read.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can really boost your enjoyment and understanding of hockey books. Not only will these activities keep you hooked, but they'll also sharpen your reading skills. So, grab your next hockey book, try out these tips, and get ready to dive deep into the game! Happy reading!