The Hockey Jersey by Jael Richardson

In Canada, Hockey has a remarkable capacity for uniting and connecting Canadians, old and new, across generations, cultures, and abilities. It has become, in many ways, a sport that anyone can play, watch, and enjoy. And despite its often prohibitive costs, people find a way to get the newest generation on the ice, to come together and support young athletes, to encourage them, and to find strength as a community.

Jael Richardson’s The Hockey Jersey celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility through the story of Kareema, a young girl who when joining her local hockey team finds more than a place to play a popular sport. With the help of her neighbour, an alumni player from her team, she learns how to skate and develops a love for the game. With patched-up hockey pants, hand-me-downs, and mismatched clothing, the team finds unity when the coach brings in their new jerseys.

Chelsea Charles’s illustrations bring a diverse cast of characters to life, both on the team and in the stands. Community is important throughout the story and her illustrations show how people across generations come together to enjoy the sport and to support young people in discovering the joys of working together as a team.

Commissioned by Scotiabank as part of its hockey for all initiative, The Hockey Jersey supports its “mission to make hockey more diverse, inclusive, and accessible.”

Jael Richardson is the author of The Stone Thrower: A Daughter’s Lesson, a Father’s Life, which was adapted into a children’s book in 2016. Her debut novel, Gutter Child was an instant bestseller and a finalist for the 2021 Amazon First Novel Award. Her most recent children’s book, Because You Are, was released in August 2022.

Chelsea Charles is an illustrator who resides in Brampton, Ontario and has received her BAA in Illustration at Sheridan College.

Product name: The Hockey Jersey
Appropriate for ages: 3-5 Years
Shipping dimensions: 7″ H x 10″ W x 1″ L
Format Picture Book
No. of Pages 36
Release date Jan 17, 2023
Publisher: IndigoPress
ISBN: 9781552674840

Christina Barber

Christina Barber is a writer and educator who lives in Vancouver. An avid reader, she shares her passion for Canadian history and literature through her reviews on Instagram @cb_reads_reviews. She has most recently been committed to writing and staging formally innovative single and multi-act plays.