Practical, proud and passionate, Stacy Wilson’s hockey book for girls is a valuable resource for young girls who play or dream of playing hockey. In four chapters, Wilson discusses positions and play, equipment, skills, and female hockey stars, including Canadian Manon Rhéaume, the first woman to play in the NHL.

Wilson, who has won World Championship and Olympic medals as a Team Canada member, coaches women’s hockey, and runs a hockey school for girls, also has a knack for communicating with readers. She establishes conversational rapport by writing in the familiar first and second person, asking questions like “Don’t you love getting a new hockey stick?” She suggests activities and offers tips. She speaks candidly and admirably about attitude, stressing the importance of respect, fair play, teamwork, and safety.

The Hockey Book for Girls is also noteworthy for the female faces it adds to hockey’s visual record. Every page of the book features one or more coloured photos. The book’s occasional cartoon-style illustrations, by Bill Slavin, portray girl hockey players. A number of design elements, including numbered pucks at the head of each chapter and pucks that skitter across pages, add further interest and appeal.

The Hockey Book for Girls merits more than “just girls” readership. Boys can also benefit from Wilson’s hockey knowledge, and novice hockey parents and coaches will appreciate her tips about equipment and training. The availability of cloth and paperback formats makes this book practical and affordable for both library and family purchase.