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Young Adult Fiction Hockey

The Player

by (author) Paul Coccia

Publisher
James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
Initial publish date
Feb 2021
Category
Hockey, Dating & Sex, LGBT
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459415768
    Publish Date
    Feb 2021
    List Price
    $12.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459415775
    Publish Date
    Feb 2021
    List Price
    $12.99
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781459415782
    Publish Date
    Aug 2021
    List Price
    $27.99 USD

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Where to buy it

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 13 to 18
  • Grade: 2
  • Reading age: 13 to 18

Description

Set in the traditionally homophobic world of amateur hockey, this book follows gay goalie Cooper in his struggle with his feelings for a teammate and coming out to his team. Cooper has been hooking up with teammate Pesh in secret, and has to play along when Pesh dates a girl and even tolerate locker-room homophobic talk. When Pesh outs Cooper online, trying to better his own chances at playing pro, Cooper chooses self-esteem and honesty over sex. With a strong and relatable main character, this book is a realistic, positive look at teen relationships — gay or straight.

About the author

Glitterature writer Paul Coccia is the author of Cub, The Player, I Got You Babe, Leon Levels Up, and On the Line (co-authored with Eric Walters). Paul has a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. You can often find him baking in his Toronto kitchen with his three dogs, nephew, and a parrot who loves spaghetti and French fries. Follow him @pauljcoccia on Instagram and Twitter.

Paul Coccia's profile page

Awards

  • Long-listed, Forest of Reading - Kid Committee List

Editorial Reviews

"The realistic and engaging content, relatable characters and fast-moving plot will be of interest to reluctant readers, beginning readers, and strong readers looking for a quick, interesting read. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Fans of hockey are likely to pick up this book and will learn about healthy romantic relationships and the experience of LGBTQ+ players of the sport."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Recommended for high school libraries."

School Library Journal

"Will draw in and retain the interest of reluctant readers."

Kirkus Reviews

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