10+ Best Hockey Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read to fuel your 8-year-old's love for hockey? Look no further! Our roundup of hockey books for 8-year-olds is packed with picks that are sure to score with young fans of the game. From thrilling game-day stories to inspiring tales of teamwork and perseverance, we've got the best of the best lined up. Keep reading to discover our favorite hockey books that will captivate your little reader and maybe even inspire them to lace up their skates!

Fun Hockey Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Magic Hockey Stick by Peter Maloney, illustrated by Felicia Zekauskas
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This charming tale revolves around a young girl who receives Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick at an auction. Miraculously, it seems to give her unbeatable skills on the ice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful story that combines the magic of fantasy with the thrill of sports, encouraging young readers to believe in the magic of their dreams.
  • Perfect for: Young sports enthusiasts and any child who loves a story where dreams come true.

• Brady Brady and the Great Exchange by Mary Shaw, illustrated by Chuck Temple
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: In this installment of the Brady Brady series, Brady trades his beloved hockey cards for a chance to help a friend in need.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches valuable lessons about friendship and the importance of generosity, all wrapped up in a fun, hockey-themed story.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are sports fans and enjoy stories about friendship and kindness.

• Face-Off by Jake Maddox
  • Genre(s): Sports Fiction
  • Synopsis: This exciting book follows a young boy who faces challenges on his hockey team, dealing with competition both on and off the ice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for building a love for reading through fast-paced sports action and lessons on teamwork and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring athletes and readers who enjoy stories about overcoming challenges and sportsmanship.

• The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier, illustrated by Sheldon Cohen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Set in a small Quebec town, this classic Canadian tale explores themes of childhood, hockey, and the cultural clash between English and French Canadians through the story of a boy who receives the wrong hockey sweater.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a culturally rich narrative that combines humor and a poignant message about identity and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in other cultures, and hockey fans who appreciate a touch of history.

• Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet by Matt Napier, illustrated by Melanie Rose
  • Genre(s): Alphabet Book, Sports
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers through the alphabet using hockey-related terms, from A for Arena to Z for Zamboni, providing fun facts and details about the game.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's educational and engaging, perfect for enhancing vocabulary and introducing young readers to the sport of hockey.
  • Perfect for: Young learners and beginner readers who have an interest in hockey or are just learning about the sport.

Educational Hockey Books for 8-Year-Olds

• Hockey Hero by Zachary Hyman, illustrated by Zachary Pullen
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Follow the journey of a young boy, Tommy, who overcomes his shyness and fear of playing hockey in front of a crowd when he gets a chance to prove himself in a big game after his idol, a professional hockey player, gets injured.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Confidence building, overcoming fears, sportsmanship
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story that encourages kids to face their fears and believe in themselves, all set against the exciting backdrop of a hockey game.
  • Perfect for: Young sports fans and children who are learning to overcome personal challenges.

• The Highest Number in the World by Roy MacGregor, illustrated by Geneviève Després
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: 9-year-old Gabe Murray dreams of wearing the number 22 when she plays for her hockey team, just like her hero, Hayley Wickenheiser. But when she is given a different number, she learns a valuable lesson about the importance of the player, not the number on the back of their jersey.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge of women in sports, understanding of sports culture, self-esteem
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a love for hockey with a meaningful message about identity and respect in sports, highlighting the role of women in hockey.
  • Perfect for: Young girls in sports and any child who admires hockey heroes.

• Goodnight Hockey by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Christina Forshay
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Bedtime Story
  • Synopsis: This book captures the excitement of a hockey game day, from morning preparation to the final buzzer at night, all through the eyes of a young fan.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Routine building, understanding time and sequence, emotional connection with sports
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a perfect bedtime read for little hockey fans, blending the thrill of a game day with soothing bedtime elements.
  • Perfect for: Young children who need a calming bedtime story and love hockey.

• My First Book of Hockey: A Rookie Book by Sports Illustrated Kids
  • Genre(s): Children's Nonfiction, Sports Instruction
  • Synopsis: Designed to introduce the youngest readers to the basics of hockey, this book explains the rules, gameplay, and basic skills of hockey through simple text and vibrant photos.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic understanding of hockey, motor skills, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent primer for introducing the sport to young enthusiasts, making it easy and fun to understand the game's fundamentals.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers just starting to learn about sports or hockey.

• When the Moon Comes by Paul Harbridge, illustrated by Matt James
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: In this beautifully illustrated book, a group of friends waits for the full moon to be able to play hockey on the frozen pond in their rural community. It captures the magic and joy of playing hockey under the moonlight.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Appreciation for nature, community bonding, imaginative play
  • Why we recommend this book: It evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia for outdoor play, emphasizing the beauty and camaraderie of playing hockey in nature.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love outdoor adventures and community sports.

Challenging Hockey Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Puck Drops Here by Kevin Sylvester
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: This story follows Casey, a young hockey enthusiast who aspires to play like her hero, but struggles with the pressures of competition and the fear of failure.
  • Why this book is challenging: This book tackles complex emotional themes such as anxiety and resilience, which are advanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic portrayal of sports pressures while encouraging resilience and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young athletes who face similar challenges in sports and life.

• Skating Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Classic
  • Synopsis: Originally published as "White Boots," this classic tale explores the friendship and rivalry between two young skaters who come from different backgrounds.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into social class differences and personal hardships, providing a deeper understanding of complex social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a timeless story that offers rich character development and a look at overcoming obstacles through friendship and determination.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy classic tales with meaningful life lessons.

• Breakaway by Maureen Ulrich
  • Genre(s): Young Adult Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Jessie McIntyre, the protagonist, struggles to fit into her new hockey team while dealing with the complexities of high school relationships and family dynamics.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book addresses themes of belonging, identity, and adolescence, which are sophisticated topics for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping look at personal growth and the social dynamics of team sports, which can be both challenging and rewarding.
  • Perfect for: Older children and tweens looking for a more mature take on sports and personal development.

• Power Play by Eric Walters
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Cody finds himself at a prestigious hockey academy, where he must navigate the pressures of being away from home and competing with the top players.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores the psychological impact of high-level competition and the balance between sports and academics.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book provides an insightful exploration into the sacrifices and decisions young athletes must make, promoting perseverance and self-discipline.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young hockey players and readers interested in a deeper understanding of sports training and personal sacrifice.

• Hockey Girl by Natalie Hyde
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Sports
  • Synopsis: Tara plays on a boys' hockey team and must prove herself in a sport where her peers see her as different. The book focuses on gender roles and equality in sports.
  • Why this book is challenging: It confronts gender stereotypes and advocates for equality, presenting these themes in a way that challenges young readers to think critically about societal norms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's empowering and inspiring, promoting confidence and equality in sports and beyond.
  • Perfect for: Young girls and boys alike who are interested in breaking down barriers and understanding the importance of equality in sports.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a young hockey enthusiast at home who's also keen on reading, combining their love for the sport with some engaging books about hockey is a fantastic idea. To make the most out of their reading experience, here are some exercises that can help your 8-year-old develop good reading habits while diving into the world of hockey books.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on how many hockey books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and gives a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable number, like one book every two weeks.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Take turns reading the book aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Make it fun by mimicking the commentator at a hockey game!

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of their favorite hockey player.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps the child connect with the characters.
  • Tips: Use props like a hockey stick or a team jersey to make it more realistic.

• Book Club Meetings
  • What it is: Organize a small book club with friends who also enjoy hockey books.
  • How it helps: Encourages discussion and deeper understanding of the reading material.
  • Tips: Host a monthly meeting where each child can talk about their favorite part of the book.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the story in memory and allows for creative expression.
  • Tips: Display the drawings at home to show off your child's hard work and creativity.

• Create a Hockey Book Corner
  • What it is: Dedicate a special area in your home for hockey books and reading.
  • How it helps: Makes reading a special and exciting activity.
  • Tips: Decorate the corner with hockey posters and maybe even a small net!

Incorporating these exercises into your child's reading routine can make reading about hockey not only educational but also incredibly fun. From setting reading goals to drawing their favorite scenes, each activity is designed to enhance their love for reading and the game. So, grab some hockey books and let the reading adventure begin!