"Against the Boards" by Lorna Schultz Nicholson is a solid choice if you're looking for a novel suited for a elementary school aged hockey fan. The book tells the story of Peter, a boy from the Northwest Territories, who has finally made the cut for an AAA Bantam hockey team. Peter is normally quiet and reserved, but when he transitions to a new community with his new 'host' family for hockey, Peter finds himself upset and in trouble. He can't seem to handle the teasing he gets at school because he's 'different' and eventually it gets to him on the ice. This story is a moving depiction of the challenges faced by an Aboriginal teen supplanted in a new city without his normal supports.
The publisher Strong Nations lists this book as a recommended title on their "Canadian Aboriginal Resource List for Elementary School" and contains a short biography of the author, Schultz Nicholson. While the author is not of First Nations heritage herself, she has credible knowledge of sports and hockey related situations. This book is a good example of a children's novel that contains a multi-faceted and realistic lead character who comes from a First Nations background. The only caveat is that this book was published in 2005, and is slightly out of date with the language used and the descriptions of the characters' lifestyles. Otherwise, this book is an exciting and gripping read for children in the age range of seven to twelve.
References:
Nicholson, L. S. (2005). Against the boards. Toronto: J. Larimer Publishers.
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