Fast-Paced Stories That Celebrate Teamwork, Grit, and Love for the Game
With the swish of skates, the clash of sticks, and the roar of the crowd, hockey captures hearts with every goal and glove save. Hockey books for kids offer more than just excitement—they teach perseverance, teamwork, and the power of practice.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite hockey books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included activity ideas and discussion questions to help children connect with the fast-paced world of hockey—on and off the ice. Let me know which story lights the lamp in your house!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Hockey?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Hockey
- 11 Hockey Books For Children
- What Hockey Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Hockey?
Hockey books help kids explore what it means to work hard, bounce back, and support others—no matter the scoreboard.
Whether it’s a child’s first time on skates or a character chasing championship dreams, these stories highlight confidence, sportsmanship, and finding joy in the journey.
Reading about hockey also introduces children to determination, responsibility, and the value of never giving up.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Hockey
Books about hockey go beyond the game—they inspire young readers to believe in themselves and each other.
These stories often feature characters facing challenges, learning new skills, or discovering their unique strengths on the team. Many also introduce real-life athletes or highlight inclusivity and community through sport.
Hockey books foster emotional growth, grit, and respect—key skills on and off the ice.
How to Use Books about Hockey with Children
Here are a few fun and educational ways to make hockey books come alive:
- 🏒 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What did the character do when things got tough? or How did they support their teammates? In a group, Turn and Talk to discuss what makes a great team.
- 🧊 Engage in Hockey-Themed Activities: Draw your own hockey jersey, create a mini tabletop hockey game, write a cheer for a favorite team, or build a pretend “rink” for dramatic play.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons about perseverance or kindness, refer to a hockey character’s actions. Say: Remember when the goalie kept practicing even after missing a save? That shows real grit.
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Encourage families to read a hockey story before watching a game together, take a trip to a local rink, or share memories of playing or watching hockey as a child.
11 Hockey Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Let’s Play Hockey! by Ginger Swift
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This sturdy lift-the-flap board book introduces little ones to the exciting world of hockey in a fun and interactive way.
Activity Suggestion: Create a paper hockey rink and use pennies or buttons to play a mini game.
Discussion Questions:
- What gear do hockey players wear?
- What happens during a face-off?
- Would you want to play hockey?
#2 Hockey ABC by Taffy Tales
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An alphabet book packed with hockey terms, from “A is for Arena” to “Z is for Zoom!”
Activity Suggestion: Make your own hockey ABC poster with illustrations.
Discussion Questions:
- Which letter and word was your favorite?
- Can you come up with your own hockey word for a letter?
- How does this book help you learn about hockey?
#3 Goodnight Hockey by Michael Dahl
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Wind down from an exciting day on the ice with this bedtime book perfect for young athletes.
Activity Suggestion: Create a bedtime routine that includes stretching like a hockey player.
Discussion Questions:
- What happens in the hockey game in the story?
- Why is it important to rest after a big game?
- What would you say goodnight to if you played hockey?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Dino-Hockey by Lisa Wheeler
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Dinosaurs take to the ice in this hilarious, action-packed hockey match between meat-eaters and veggie-sauruses!
Activity Suggestion: Make dino hockey player puppets out of paper bags.
Discussion Questions:
- Which team did you root for?
- What made the game so exciting?
- How do the dinosaurs show teamwork?
#5 The Magic Hockey Stick by Peter Maloney
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A young girl receives Wayne Gretzky’s hockey stick and believes it brings her magical skills—until she learns where the real magic comes from.
Activity Suggestion: Decorate your own “magic” hockey stick (real or paper).
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think the hockey stick was really magic?
- What helps people get better at something?
- What makes you feel confident?
#6 It’s Hockey Time, Franklin! by Jason Cooper
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Franklin the turtle tries hockey for the first time and learns about practice, patience, and playing fair.
Activity Suggestion: Act out hockey moves like passing, blocking, and shooting in your living room.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Franklin feel before and after the game?
- What helped him get better?
- Why is teamwork important in sports?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 Score! My First Hockey Game by Tanner Ryan
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A child-friendly overview of attending a hockey game, from buying snacks to cheering for your team.
Activity Suggestion: Pretend you’re announcing a hockey game using toy players or drawings.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your favorite part of the hockey game?
- What do fans do to support the team?
- Would you want to go to a game?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 Bobby Orr and the Hand-me-down Skates by Kara Kootstra
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A heartwarming tale inspired by hockey legend Bobby Orr’s childhood, showing how hard work and determination matter more than having the newest gear.
Activity Suggestion: Write or draw a story about something you’ve worked hard at.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Bobby feel about his old skates?
- What helped him succeed?
- What does this story teach us about trying our best?
#9 What Is the Stanley Cup? by Gail Herman
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A nonfiction book that explains the history, excitement, and traditions of the Stanley Cup.
Activity Suggestion: Make a foil or paper “Stanley Cup” trophy for pretend play.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the Stanley Cup?
- Why is it such a big deal in hockey?
- What would you do if you won a trophy?
#10 Hockey Meltdown by Jake Maddox
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In this chapter book, a player struggles with anger on the ice—and learns to cool down and play fair.
Activity Suggestion: Create a “cool-down” kit with items to help when you’re upset.
Discussion Questions:
- What caused the meltdown?
- How did the character fix the situation?
- How can you stay calm during tough moments?
#11 Inspirational Hockey Stories for Young Readers by Mike Johnson
đź”— View on Amazon
A collection of real-life and motivational hockey stories designed to inspire young fans and athletes.
Activity Suggestion: Choose a favorite story and create a poster with the lesson it taught.
Discussion Questions:
- Which story inspired you the most?
- What do all the players have in common?
- What can we learn from their challenges?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Hockey Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Hockey books for kids are full of speed, spirit, and heart. Whether your reader is new to the sport or already dreaming of scoring the winning goal, these stories bring the ice to life in unforgettable ways.
Which hockey story will skate onto your shelf next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite books, crafts, or rink adventures!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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