Being a huge hockey fan, the mother of hockey players and hoping my grandson will start playing soon, I think this book is a must read. It is the true story of Jacques Plante and how he changed the fact of hockey. The author, Andrée Poulin, shared Jacques journey from a teased child with innovative hockey gear (tree root for a goalie stick, pillows for goalie pads etc.) to a professional goalie. Jacques loved the sport, but after sustaining numerous, serious injuries to his face and head, he designed his own hockey mask. Not only did his coach not want him to wear it in a game, but when he did, the fans and reporters made fun of him. Eventually, it was accepted and he became known as the Masked Marvel, backstopping his team to six Stanley Cups. His innovation and bravery changed the game play in terms of skills (he handled the puck and came out of his net), confidence, and safety for the goalie and players. Now helmets and face masks are standard equipment,thanks to Jacques Plante. The amount of text is just right, with fluent lines and a repeating chorus of, "Hey, that's not hockey!" The illustrations show the reality of what the goalies went through regularly with stitches, broken noses, and blood on the ice. They have a mix of colorful action and black and white in the background. This book can be used to show how innovation can come from anyone, as well as using it to teach about basic biographies. I just enjoyed the story and I think it would make a great read aloud to junior classes. A great addition to family, class, school and public libraries. The publisher, Annick Press Ltd., generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The rating, ideas and opinions are my own. ( )

This book made me cry. In a good way!

Now, I read this book entirely because *I* wanted to. Yes, I would have shared it with my son were he feeling like this wasn't a kids book (he's 11 - "too old for kids books," he says). So, I read it myself.

This reminded me of the famous French Canadian story, "The Hockey Sweater". That book details the French Canadian boy who dreamt of a Canadians hockey sweater, but instead gets a dreaded Maple Leafs jersey instead.

Instead, "That's Not Hockey!" explains the history behind why hockey goalies wear masks. With a huge nod to Jaques Plante (and a mention of Guy Lafleur), true hockey lovers of all ages will adore this great story.

If I had a complaint, it would be that I didn't get to read this in French. As a bilingual Canadian, I suspect this story reads even better in French.

Un gros merci to NetGalley and the amazing publisher Annick Press for early reader access to this soon-to-be-Canadian hockey classic. ( )