He Sweeps, He Scores

Deborah Dowson is a Canaadian children’s librarian in North Wales,
Pennsylvania.

Shawn is devastated when he is cut from his hockey team because his size
puts him at a disadvantage. His neighbor, the retired Mr. Waleski,
suggests that Shawn come with him to his curling club to see what it is
like. Shawn reluctantly agrees so as not to hurt Mr. Waleski’s
feelings. Much to his surprise, Shawn is drawn into the sport, but he
faces ridicule from his former hockey team members. Shawn challenges
them to a game, and the hockey players learn that curling is more
interesting then they had assumed. Shawn becomes committed to his new
sport, and his interest and dedication are rewarded when he is chosen
for the junior team.

This book scores big in a number of ways. Creating a main character who
is a newcomer to the sport gives the author plenty of opportunity to
explain and demonstrate what is involved in curling for the beginner.
The concept of pitting the hockey players against the curlers is another
great venue for explaining the sport and for exploring the issues of
competition, peer pressure, stereotyping, and the idea that you never
really know about something until you try it. Black presents with great
sensitivity these issues that are so relevant to children.

He Sweeps, He Scores is a great story, but unfortunately this may be
one of those times when a book is judged by its bland cover; its
popularity may also be limited by the subject matter. Recommended.