ELLIOT JELLY-LEGS AND THE BOBBLEHEAD MIRACLE

What is the secret to hockey success?

Though not naturally athletically gifted, Canadian sixth grader Elliot Feldner-Martel eats, sleeps, and breathes hockey—despite his unflattering nickname, Jelly-Legs, earned via his inability to stand upright on the ice. When a tightening of the family budget necessitates only one extracurricular activity, Elliot chooses hockey, overriding parental objections—they are not a sports-minded family—with compromises to make it work. Still, it’s a long, rough road. Elliot ends his first practice of the new season quite discouraged, but effort and his teammates’ support help him gain confidence and skill. His family slowly comes around, too. Inspired by a book about First Nations goalie Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, Elliot starts wishing upon his Carey Price bobblehead, and when this seems to work, he becomes convinced that this talisman has magical powers. Ridge’s ebullient novel is also a crash course in Canada’s favorite sport, taking readers on a learning curve in tandem with the lovable hero, who narrates in an awestruck first-person voice. Elliot is a highly appealing underdog, and Ridge’s valuable lessons on dedication, teamwork, and self-esteem land deftly with humor and refreshing honesty. The personal and financial sacrifices involved in his commitment to hockey add authenticity and depth. Charming spot art, consisting primarily of sports cards, enhances the text. Elliot reads White; the supporting cast is ethnically diverse.

A sweet sports story with both head and heart in the right places.