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Description
In Sigmund Brouwer's All-Star Pride, seventeen-year-old hockey prodigy Hog Burnell travels to Russia for a high-profile all-star series, eager to prove himself on the international stage. He quickly learns that the tournament's promoter cares more about profit than the game itself, putting pressure on the players to prioritize money over sportsmanship. Forced to choose between his integrity and the lucrative offers, Hog must navigate a dangerous web of deception and risk. The story follows his struggle to stay true to his love of hockey while confronting the harsh realities of professional sports.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a sports story that goes beyond just the game, "All-Star Pride" is a solid choice. Hockey fans will love following seventeen-year-old Hog Burnell as he travels to Russia for an all-star series, but here's what makes it different this isn't just about scoring goals and winning championships. When Hog realizes the promoter is more interested in making money than in fair play or player safety, he's forced to decide what's really important to him, and those choices lead him into some genuinely tense situations that will keep readers on their toes. It's a quick read that balances exciting hockey action with a story about standing up for what you believe in, even when it's risky. This would appeal especially to kids who already love sports fiction, but it's also a great pick for reluctant readers who want something with real stakes and a setting that feels different from typical American sports stories. Parents can feel good about the fact that it's clean content with a positive message about integrity, though there are a few genuinely suspenseful moments that might have younger readers holding their breath. If your kid enjoyed books like the Matt Christopher hockey titles or stories where athletes face challenges off the field, this one will hit the spot.