The Player
- 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.
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