On the Line by Kari-Lynn Winters and illustrated by Scot Ritchie

On the Line by Kari-Lynn Winters and illustrated by Scot Ritchie, Pajama Press, 2021. 9781772782189

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review)  5

Format:  Hardcover

Genre: Picture books

What did you like about the book:   The simple text and lively illustrations in this book celebrate being a team player, thinking outside the box, and the true meaning of stewardship.   Jackson Moore comes from a family of hockey heroes.  His grandpa was an all-star and taught him how to make a game plan, hold a stick, and pass a puck.   Jackson is not so sure about his hockey skills, he feels like a potato on skates and even his teammates question if he is a Moore due to his lack of skills on the ice.  Jackson’s grandpa tells him he is good at making game plans and he gets to work on figuring out the team’s problem: not having the proper equipment to play in their upcoming Winterfest Tournament.  Jackson and Grandpa save the tournament and turn Grandpa’s truck into “On the Line,” full of matching equipment for all of his teammates.  His problem-solving abilities make him the true MVP! The back pages include an author’s note on team stewardship, teamwork, and building supportive relationships both on and off the ice.

Anything you didn’t like about it?  No

To whom would you recommend this book?   A great read aloud for the introduction of being part of a team, reinforcing perseverance, believing in oneself, and valuing everyone’s talents.  This would be nice for coaches to share with their elementary school teams.

Who should buy this book?   Elementary schools, home and public libraries

Where would you shelve it ?  Picture books

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Julie Durmis, J.C. Solmonese Elementary School, Norton, MA

Date of review:  July 25, 2021