• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Is a magical Carey Price bobblehead the key to Elliot's success on the ice?

Eleven-year-old Elliot loves hockey and finally convinces his parents to sign him up. There’s just one problem: he can barely skate. But he is determined. He practices every chance he gets and even takes extra lessons. He is still miles behind the rest of his teammates in terms of skills and speed, though. So when the goalie gets injured, Elliot surprises everyone by offering to take his place. He figures his “jelly-legs” won’t be quite so obvious in net. He is wrong. The first game is a complete disaster. In desperation, Elliot begs his Carey Price bobblehead for a win. Both thrilled and surprised when his wish is granted, Elliot makes more wishes. His team keeps winning. But is the magic real? And what will happen if his teammates discover the secret to Elliot’s success?

With twenty-five hockey-card-style illustrations scattered throughout, this is a heartfelt story of friendship, hockey and the importance of believing in yourself.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Yolanda Ridge is the author of the middle-grade novel Inside Hudson Pickle and the juvenile nonfiction title CRISPR: A Powerful Way to Change DNA, both of which were Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. She has also written two environment-themed novels for Orca Young Readers line, Trouble in the Trees and Road Block. She has a master of science degree and is adept at making complex concepts understandable—a skill she uses in her writing, teaching and author visits. She lives in Rossland, British Columbia.

Yolanda Ridge's profile page

Sydney Barnes is an illustrator and graphic designer with a life-long passion for books. She holds a Master of Publishing degree from Simon Fraser University and runs a freelance design business called SJBarnes Design. For more information, visit sjbarnes.com.

Sydney Barnes' profile page

• Commended, Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

“An entertaining story that will appeal to both boys and girls, and that includes the perfect mix of heartwarming and hockey...Authentic, relatable, realistic Elliot will worm his way into the hearts of readers and will have them cheering him on.”

The British Columbia Review

“Has all the thrills and chills of a hockey game…readers will also find solace in the lessons Elliot learns about sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience and persistence.”

Canadian Children's Book News

“Elliot is a highly appealing underdog, and Ridge’s valuable lessons on dedication, teamwork, and self-esteem land deftly with humor and refreshing honesty...A sweet sports story with both head and heart in the right places.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Fast-paced and absorbing...Interweaving a hockey story with pre-teen angst and real life-struggles, Elliot Jelly-Legs and the Bobblehead Miracle is a well-written light read with good characterization and a message about trying your best in the face of difficulty. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Entertaining and insightful. Discussions of athletes’ mental health… and of sexism in traditionally male sports are welcome moments."

Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison

“A true picture of what it means to be a member of both a sports team and a family...Middle school readers who play any sport will relate to Elliot and cheer along with him as his hard work pays off. Recommended.”

School Library Connection