Thunderbird Spirit

by Sigmund Brouwer

Overview

Hockey stars Mike “Crazy” Keats and his Cree Indian friend, Dakota, are caught in a web of violence which makes winning this year’s hockey league championship the least of their concerns. Mike’s new to the Seattle Thunderbirds, and Dakota seems like a good guy to have for a friend. Unfortunately, not everyone accepts Dakota’s Indian heritage as easily. Spin-off racial hatred takes Keats and Dakota into a life-threatening situation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554697502
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	11/01/2008
Series:	Orca Sports
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

With close to three million books in print, Sigmund Brouwer writes for both children and adults. In the last ten years, he has given writing workshops to students in schools from the Arctic Circle to inner city Los Angeles. One of his latest novels, The Last Disciple, earned Sigmund an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America. Sigmund and his family live half the year in Nashville, Tennessee, and half the year in Red Deer, Alberta.

Read an Excerpt

The red 4x4 spun sideways as the driver slammed on the brakes and yanked the steering wheel. The truck skidded toward Dakota's truck. I couldn't see the driver because the passenger side was sliding toward us. I could see the passenger though. He wore a mask over his face. And he was pointing a rifle at us through the open window.

Editorial Reviews

Mike "Crazy" Keats has been traded team to team in the WHL, one step down from the NHL, because of his temper. He seems unable to put his anger aside no matter what the cost. His most recent trade could be his last if he can't keep his anger in check. One of his teammates is Dakota, a Native American. Someone has put bullet holes in Dakota's truck and tried to poison his dog, among other instances of crimes that seem to be racially motivated. Dakota tries to help Mike control his anger on and off the ice so Mike decides to return the favor. When Dakota disappears his sister finds a tape cassette so Mike and Dakota's sister decide to go after Dakota the choices that are made lead to surprising revelations. An exciting book that involves so much more than sports that most young readers will not be able to put this book down. This book would probably interest readers younger and older than the suggested ages depending upon reading levels. Reviewer: Melissa Zanot

Children's Literature - Melissa Zanot

"Well-written, and the highly engaging secondary characters, especially Dakota Smith, will quickly draw readers into the story. In Mike Keats, Brouwer has created a well-rounded male protagonist, a young man desperately searching for a good role model during the difficult period between boyhood and manhood. Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"The short chapters, rapid action, and adept hockey writing make this a prime choice for reluctant readers and hockey lovers."

NMRLS Youth Services Book Review

"A substantial read with a unique plot and compelling characters...The excitement surrounding hockey and crime-fighting is sure to entertain."

Resource Links

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Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group