The Hockey Saint (The Forever Friends Series) - Softcover

Shapiro, Howard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0991255011 ISBN 13: 9780991255016

Publisher: Animal Media Group LLC, 2014

Synopsis

Through a chance meeting, Tom and hockey legend Jake form an unlikely friendship. Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close. With Jake living too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, can Tom help him before it's too late?

About this title

About the Author:

Howard Shapiro: Howard Shapiro has written four children's books, two graphic novels and a biography. He lives in Pittsburgh, PA where he runs the day-to-day publishing side of Animal Media Group LLC bringing ten years of indie publishing experience to the role.

Marica Inoue: Marica Inoue studied at the Musashino Art University and after graduating moved to Italy for courses in painting at Brera Fine Art Academy - Milan. She has illustrated books for Italian publisher, Fabbri Editor, and illustrated magazine covers. She lives in Milan, Italy.

Review:

A graphic novel slips home the fact that sports stars run the gamut of miseries we everyday Joes and Janes must confront. Jeremiah Jake Jacobson is the world s best hockey player, but he is a public relation man s nightmare: He won t do Q-and-As or sell products for the good of the marketing department. Indeed, though he may rack up points like a pinballer on a hot streak, he is practically a recluse. Tom Leonard, on the other hand, is a college sophomore in awe of Jacobson, and they become friends through a chance encounter. Tom soon learns that Jake gets some cool perks with the fame private dining rooms, private screenings of movies and he also learns that Jake does a lot of volunteer work on the down low. Jake also smokes like a chimney and drinks way too much booze. So starts the slow revelation of truths: Sports are only as good as your love of the game; secrecy and denial gradually core you like an apple; all of us must address painful issues. Shapiro does a good job of expressing how difficult and important it is to talk about our emotions and weaknesses and that good friendship runs deep with thoughtful honesty. Inoue s illustrations are clean-lined if sometimes difficult to read, while Mossa s coloring creates a moody atmosphere. There are no simple answers in this thoughtful outing. (Graphic fiction. 8-14) --Kirkus Reviews

Taking place two years after The Stereotypical Freaks (Animal Media, 2012), this is a full-color realistic graphic novel about an unlikely friendship between a famous 21-year-old Canadian hockey player named Jeremiah Jacobson and an average guy named Tom Leonard. Tom is an orphan and a college sophomore who lives with his grandmother. He loves hockey, and his hockey skills result in a partial scholarship, which helps him afford college. One night he happens to meet the famous hockey player Jeremiah Jacobson. The pair soon form a friendship. The young man soon learns that Jeremiah, though genuine, harbors secrets. Tom wants to help him, but Jeremiah has a hard time accepting he has a substance abuse problem. Readers will delight in the lively dialogue, especially when Jeremiah says things like Don t worship athletes. There are men and women who deserve your admiration so much more.... Chapters are accompanied by recommended listening, and the artwork is vibrant, making this title highly recommended for hockey fans and those who enjoyed the previous volume. Lisa Gieskes, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC --School Library Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Animal Media Group LLC
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0991255011
• ISBN 13: 9780991255016
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 150
• Illustrator: Inoue Marica