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

Left winger Nolan Andrews thinks it's great that he can play hockey in Calgary, where his older brother, Nathan, is a star center for the Hitmen.

When Nolan finds out that a lot of things about Nate's new life in Calgary don't make sense—or might not even be legal—Nolan has to make some difficult choices that will affect him and his brother for the rest of their lives.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

With close to three million books in print, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. In the last ten years, he has given writing workshops to students in schools from the Arctic Circle to inner city Los Angeles. One of his latest novels, The Last Disciple, earned Sigmund an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America. Sigmund and his family live half the year in Nashville, Tennessee, and half the year in Red Deer, Alberta.

The Talk:
Reach For Your Dreams
It doesn't matter where you come from, it's where you decide to go in life that is important. Sigmund Brouwer encourages students to reach for their dreams, giving them fun and practical advice for the reading and writing skills that are the foundation of future success.

The Presentation:
Sigmund's presentations are an hour of high-level energy. He especially reaches out to reluctant readers and gears the talk to engage their attention. Audience size varies; often his presentations take place in the gym for the entire school, including kindergarten. (After the first half hour, the K-2 grades are dismissed, and the remainder of the presentation is focused on the older students.) There are no restrictions on audience size except for the space limitations of the gym. Smaller schools are welcome to invite another school to share in the cost of the presentation.

Booking:
For presentations that involve travel, Sigmund appreciates it if two or three schools in the area make bookings on the same day. For more information on booking, fees and expenses, please email Sigmund: rockandrollliteracy@me.com

Sigmund Brouwer's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"Brouwer once again succeeds in combining a sports themed book with an action packed dangerous situation requiring the high school-aged characters to make ethical and moral decisions. Written at a 3.2 RL, reluctant and struggling readers into the high school years will find themes that resonate and provide good conversations or writing responses for class work."

Puget Sound Council for Review of Children's Media

"Brouwer's writing technique encourages young readers to read on, as he only gives hints of what 'might' happen...Hitmen Triumph triumphs both on the ice and off."

British Columbia Teacher-Librarians' Association (BCTLA) The Bookmark

"Brouwer is certain to capture the reluctant reader's attention with this story that is both enjoyable and a real page turner! Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"[Sigmund Brouwer's] knowledge of sports and deft writing style flawlessly carry the story along - a page-turner in fact!"

Resource Links