Mats Sundin

Ian A. Andrews is editor of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association’s Focus and co-author of Becoming a Teacher.

These colorful picture biographies of hockey stars Mats Sundin of the
Toronto Maple Leafs and Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche are
intended for elementary- and middle-school audiences. The authors of
both books have catered to young visual learners with a series of
brilliant action photographs approximating the best to be found on
collectors cards while emphasizing the positive traits of each
professional athlete.

Kerry Banks stresses the importance of international hockey to the
Swedish player Mats Sundin, showing that his performance has improved
when he competes with, and against, more skilled players. He also
emphasizes the importance of being accepted by one’s peers and
Sundin’s “love of the game”—traits that present Sundin as a
positive role model for young people.

Andrew Podnieks emphasizes the hard work and determination that made
Patrick Roy one of hockey’s foremost stars. Roy’s level of
concentration and confidence are highlighted, but Podnieks does not
shirk from mentioning Roy’s early poor eating habits, his dropping out
of high school, and his superstitious nature (exemplified by his habit
of talking to his goal posts). As Podnieks portrays him, Roy is an
eccentric goaltender who has achieved remarkable success with both the
Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche.

These well-written and attractively presented books are highly
recommended for their target audience.