Scholastic Canada Biography: Meet Willie O’Ree
- ISBN 9781443175616, Hardcover
- 32 Pages | Ages 4 to 8
On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree made history as the first black player in the NHL when he suited up with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens. O'Ree went on to play a total of 45 games with the Bruins, a remarkable achievement considering what he overcame to get there.
In addition to dealing with racism, bigotry and name-calling, Willie lived with a secret disability: he was blind in one eye -- a fact he had to keep to himself, or he'd never play in the NHL. Thanks to his relentless positivity and love of the game, Willie's time with the Bruins was only one of his many achievements in hockey.
The Scholastic Canada Biography series aims to introduce young readers to remarkable Canadians whose lives and contributions have shaped our country and led the way for others to follow in their footsteps. Meet Willie O'Ree is no exception. This wonderful book is a celebration of his life from childhood to playing career, to his later work as an ambassador for NHL diversity, and to his eventual induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
Written by award-winning author Elizabeth MacLeod, this portrait of Willie O'Ree couples simple yet compelling writing with full-colour, comic-flavoured illustrations by Mike Deas that help bring this fascinating story to life!
Rights Sold
French (N. Amer) – Éditions Scholastic
Selling Points
• Willie O’Ree has been called the” Jackie Robinson of hockey and is a role model to many athletes • He currently serves as the NHL’s Director of Youth Development and as an ambassador for NHL Diversity. • The Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award was recently introduced by the NHL. • This lively new biography series is unlike anything available to Canadian children today — lively colourful and a great introduction to larger issues.
Awards
- Runner-up, Rocky Mountain Book Award (Alberta Children's Choice), 2022
- Commended, TD Summer Reading Club, Top Recommended Read, 2021
- Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Starred Selection, 2020
- Commended, OLA Best Bets, 2020
More books by Elizabeth MacLeod
View moreMore books by Mike Deas
View moreContact:
Maral Maclagan, Rights & Contracts Manager, Scholastic Canada Ltd., mmaclagan@scholastic.ca.