The Longest Shot

December 1, 2023

Gr 4-6-Born in 1923 in Vernon, British Columbia, Chinese Canadian Larry Kwong had a big dream: playing hockey for the NHL. This biography explores Kwong's journey to becoming the first player of Asian descent to play in the NHL, as well as discussing the color barrier and Asian hate historically faced by Chinese Canadians. Canadian hockey players of many ethnic backgrounds are portrayed, as well as Kwong's friends and family, which include Asian and white people. The illustrations often rely on side profiles or front-facing portraits but are very colorful and engaging. Text generally makes up half of the page, with white space and illustrations making the layout more inviting and accessible. Although the book relies heavily on facts and dates, it also includes quotes from Kwong throughout that help add interest. A glossary covers both hockey and equity-specific language that is used in the book. Chapters are broken into small sections, usually only a paragraph long, with frequent sidebars, which make it easier to read and follow the story. Overall, these elements combine to make this book great for building reading confidence or attracting reluctant readers. One of the authors has Taiwanese Canadian heritage, and the other author and the illustrator identify as Chinese Canadian. VERDICT Highly recommended; an easy-to-read sports biography with cross-genre appeal.-Shelby Hogle

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December 15, 2023
A long-overdue spotlight is shone on Larry Kwong, who in 1948 became the first Chinese Canadian to play in the NHL. Born in 1923 to immigrant parents and raised in Vernon, British Columbia, Larry excelled at hockey early on. Though times were tough during the Great Depression, he and his siblings were resourceful; they played on frozen ponds and used old boots for goal posts and frozen horse manure for pucks. Bold, detailed illustrations bring to life major moments in Larry's life. At 18, he began playing for the Trail (British Columbia) Smoke Eaters, but WWII brought everything to a standstill. He sought out opportunities to play even when he was drafted, but despite his great talent and popularity, the NHL still overlooked him. After he was finally chosen to join the New York Rovers--a minor-league team--he was eventually given the chance to play in an NHL game with the New York Rangers...but only for the last minute of the game. Disappointed, he turned to opportunities abroad. Despite the oppression he confronted, his revolutionary role and innovations on ice were recognized later in his life. This concise, absorbing narrative will entice sports fans and nonathletes alike. Footnotes and captions provide context to the discrimination Larry faced, from the laws that made immigrating to Canada difficult to the racist attitudes of the overwhelmingly white NHL. An informative and engaging biography that pays tribute to an extraordinary life. (timeline, glossary, resources, index) (Biography. 8-12)

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