[.ca] The Hockey Sweater (ISBN 0887761690)

Amazon.ca:
First published in 1979 in a collection of adult stories and later made into an award-winning animated short film by the National Film Board of Canada, Roch Carrier's The Hockey Sweater is now firmly established as a Canadian classic. Basing the story on his own childhood growing up in St. Justine, Quebec, in the 1940s, Carrier describes the passion that he and his friends had for hockey, and particularly for the exploits of hockey great Maurice "The Rocket" Richard of the Montreal Canadiens. Roch and his friends all have red Canadiens sweaters emblazoned with Richard's famous number 9. When Roch outgrows his sweater, his mother orders him a new one from Eaton's in Montreal. The sweater that arrives two weeks later, though, isn't a Canadiens sweater but the blue-and-white sweater of the Toronto Maple Leafs, which Roch can't imagine wearing under any circumstances. But wear the Leafs sweater he must, with hilarious consequences. Sheldon Cohen's warm, rich illustrations are a perfect match for Carrier's exuberant text. And readers who enjoy The Hockey Sweater should check out Carrier's other sports stories--The Boxing Champion, The Longest Home Run, and The Basketball Player. (Ages 5 to 9) --Jeffrey Canton

A Canadian Classic and a Must Read for All:
The story of a young Quebecois mortally dismayed at having received the wrong hockey sweater (of the hated Toronto Maple Leafs, no less) has become a true Canadian classic. A very readable story suitable for kids of all ages.

classic!:
i had to watch the film for this in elementary school once or twice, so when i read it i have the voice of the narrator in my head. but, as all of the other reviews have said (making this repetitive and somewhat unnecessary) it is a classic children's book. it encapsulates the tension between Quebec and Ontario, that still exists today, but not as much i think. I'm not at all into hockey myself, but am around hockey players so have been exposed to it in some form or another all my life, which might be why i relate to it. but hockey player or not pretty much anyone can relate as its about a kid not getting what he wants and having to cope. and if you don't read it, at least go watch the short film, which is debatably better (or that might just be my preference as i saw the film first).

Great Candian Classic:
Every Canadian or kost can relate to this book. It will make you want to go play hockey today. This good is great to read to those young kids that play hockey.

Classic Canuck Childrens Book Hits Home with American Dude:
The Hockey Sweater is such a nice little childrens book that can melt the heart of any hockey fan no matter how old. The book is great for young people, the illustrations are adorable and there is some hockey history laid in the book as well. It is a nice look back on a semi-forgotten time and it is nice to introduce old-school hockey to the youngsters. I am going to read this book to my nephew once he is old enough and if that is not recommendation enough to get your hands on this book yourself, then I am lost for words.

A True Canadian Classic:
All Canadians can identify with the character in this book, be they Montreal, Toronto, Detroit or other hockey teams fans. Everybody who grew up standing in hockey rinks, playing on the ice or dreaming about getting back on has gone through what the main character has. This is a true example of Canadian culture and can also be applied to other sports.