The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey

by Chad Soon (Author) Amy Qi (Illustrator)

The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Larry Kwong became the first player of Asian descent in the NHL when he played one shift with the New York Rangers in 1948. Even though Larry's achievement happened more than 70 years ago, his contribution to hockey is only now being recognized. He broke hockey's color barrier and fought racism and discrimination at every step of his career.

From his humble beginnings on the outdoor rinks in Vernon, British Columbia's Chinatown all the way to playing at Madison Square Garden and in the NHL, this inspiring hero has a timeless story for young readers.

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Hardcover
$24.95

Kirkus

An informative and engaging biography that pays tribute to an extraordinary life.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6--Born in 1923 in Vernon, British Columbia, Chinese Canadian Larry Kwong had a big dream: playing hockey for the NHL. This biography explores Kwong's journey to becoming the first player of Asian descent to play in the NHL, as well as discussing the color barrier and Asian hate historically faced by Chinese Canadians. Canadian hockey players of many ethnic backgrounds are portrayed, as well as Kwong's friends and family, which include Asian and white people. The illustrations often rely on side profiles or front-facing portraits but are very colorful and engaging. Text generally makes up half of the page, with white space and illustrations making the layout more inviting and accessible. Although the book relies heavily on facts and dates, it also includes quotes from Kwong throughout that help add interest. A glossary covers both hockey and equity-specific language that is used in the book. Chapters are broken into small sections, usually only a paragraph long, with frequent sidebars, which make it easier to read and follow the story. Overall, these elements combine to make this book great for building reading confidence or attracting reluctant readers. One of the authors has Taiwanese Canadian heritage, and the other author and the illustrator identify as Chinese Canadian. VERDICT Highly recommended; an easy-to-read sports biography with cross-genre appeal.--Shelby Hogle

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

 

Chad Soon

Chad Soon is a fourth-generation Chinese Canadian. His parents encouraged him to do what he loved: draw, read and play hockey. Growing up on Vancouver Island, Chad dreamed of being an NHL star. He went as far as bantam house-league hockey before realizing that he wasn't going to be the next Larry Kwong. Chad now teaches in Larry Kwong's hometown of Vernon, British Columbia, where he realized another dream: writing this book.

George Chiang grew up loving and playing hockey in Etobicoke, Ontario. George is the composer of the internationally acclaimed musical Golden Lotus and the author of the children's books The Railroad Adventures of Chen Sing and The Pioneer Adventures of Chen Sing. He has directed and/or produced award-winning music videos for his songs, including A World Away (Remix) and Old Montreal, among others. George's acting credits include roles in Eloise at the Plaza and McKenna Shoots for the Stars. He lives in Stouffville, Ontario.

Amy Qi is a Chinese-Canadian illustrator with a passion for storytelling. A graduate of OCAD University, she loves to use vibrant colors to create whimsical and immersive illustrations. Her passion for art and storytelling comes from her love of video games and movies, both of which continue to inspire her to this day. Amy lives in Toronto.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781459835030
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Publication date
February 13, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF009000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Boys & Men
JNF007100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Sports & Recreation
JNF054070 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Sports & Recreation | Hockey
JNF070000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Inspirational & Personal Growth
Library of Congress categories
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