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Book Cover for: Hockey Night in Kenya, Danson Mutinda

Hockey Night in Kenya

Danson Mutinda

"This simple story of discovery, sport, and friendship is filled with likable characters and innocently joyful moments...Delightful."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Kenyan orphans, Kitoo and Nigosi, spend their days studying, playing soccer, helping their elders with chores around the orphanage and reading from the limited selection of books in their library. When the librarian gives Kitoo a copy of Sports Around the World he becomes fascinated by an image of the Canadian national men's ice hockey team. Then one day the fates align and Kitoo finds a pair of beat-up old roller blades. He teaches himself to skate and dreams of one day playing hockey like the men in his book. But you can't play ice hockey in Kenya, can you?

Book Details

  • Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
  • Publish Date: Oct 13rd, 2020
  • Pages: 104
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 7.40in - 5.20in - 0.40in - 0.25lb
  • EAN: 9781459823617
  • Recommended age: 06-08
  • Categories: Sports & Recreation - HockeySocial Themes - FriendshipFamily - Orphans & Foster Homes

About the Author

Mutinda, Danson: -

Danson Mutinda's parents, Ruth and Henry Kyatha, co-founded the Hope Development Centre orphanage with Eric and Anita Walters in 2007. When Henry passed away, Dansen became patron of the program. He and his co-author, Eric Walters, worked together to write this story of two energetic and joyful children who are based on many of the children they work with at the centre. Danson lives in Kikima, Kenya, on the grounds of the orphanage.

Dávila, Claudia: -

Claudia Dávila writes, illustrates and designs books for kids of all ages including Bus to the Badlands and Ghost of the Mill House in the Orca Echoes line. She is passionate about stories and themes that encourage children to be strong, thoughtful, compassionate and responsible people. Claudia lives in Toronto.

Praise for this book

★ "This simple story of discovery, sport, and friendship is filled with likable characters and innocently joyful moments...Delightful."-- "Kirkus Reviews, starred review"
"I quite enjoyed this book about Kitoo and his friend best Nigosi. The pair have a great friendship, encouraging each other to be the best, while embracing their differences and their similarities."-- "Book Time blog"
"Offers a good starting point for children in learning about and discussing different cultures. Playful black and white, full and half-page illustrations provide moments to stop and reflect upon the boys' life, friendship and adventures. Recommended."-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"
"Uplifting and welcome. The book allows young readers to learn about life in an orphanage in rural Kenya."-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"