Back in October 2022, I read the first book in a children’s series based around the world of children’s team ice hockey. This book was Hockey Wars by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson, the authors of another children’s book that really tickled us, Don’t Fart in the Pool. I enjoyed reading Hockey Wars, following the relationships and friendships between a group of boys and girls on rival hockey teams. Since that first book in the series, the group of friends have evolved into boys and girls ice hockey teams and friendships have blossomed. Whilst I haven’t read the rest of the books in the series, I have just finished the latest instalment in the series – Hockey Wars 12: Euro Tournament. In this exciting new book, the focus is more on the girl’s hockey team, The Hurricanes, as they have been invited thousands of miles across the world from Dakota, North America to Europe to play in a hockey tournament in Sweden.
Hockey Wars is a series of ice hockey based children’s books for readers aged 8-12 years old that looks not just at ice hockey but friendships, family dramas, rivalry and competitive sport.
In Hockey Wars 12: Euro Tournament, Millie, Cameron and their friends are back for another exciting ice hockey adventure. This time, the Hurricanes have been invited to Sweden to take part in an international tournament, an invitation too good to miss especially as they get to see some friends from the Swedish team. But going to an overseas international tournament costs a lot of money so the Hurricanes, along with their friends from the boy’s team, the Lightning, have a series of fundraisers planned – everything from selling raffle tickets to car washes to an Italian meal night in a restaurant. Will that be able to raise enough money? Will they be good enough to compete against the European teams? Will they be good enough to win?
Overall, Hockey Wars 12: Euro Tournament is a great easy to read sport-based adventure for children. Whilst it is a story based around the world of competitive ice hockey it also teaches some valuable lessons about sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork. It is a interesting story with more than hockey going on as it looks at friendship groups, family life and how a group of friends are always there for each other.
The characters are all very different but very relatable to children. It is well written, engaging and inclusive, featuring boys and girls ice hockey teams that are rivals as well as being very good friends. Readers don’t need to have an interest in hockey to enjoy the story as it covers a wide range of themes including teamwork, friendship, trying your best and never giving up.
At 130 pages, split into chapters, is it a quick read for young readers. It travels along at a good pace with enough going on to keep the attention of the young reader. And there are some great illustrations throughout the book by Tanya Zeinalova.
A fun and exciting read whether you have an interest in hockey or sport, especially as a lot of the focus is on friendship and helping each other. You don’t need to have read the previous books in the series, but it helps and adds to the enjoyment.
With the school summer holidays fast approaching, a time where children’s reading and literacy skills drop off, the Hockey Wars series would be a good series to keep your children reading throughout the summer.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £2.42 (Kindle)
For more information, visit www.benandsamauthors.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided with a free copy of this book for the purposes of writing a honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.
Click here to read more reviews of books by Sam Lawrence & Ben Jackson
