Who Is Wayne Gretzky? (Who Was?)

My 8 year old LOVED this book! He is a hockey super fan and also likes the fun-to-read "Who Is" series. This one is, by far, his favorite (Who Is Jackie Robinson is a close 2nd). They are well-written, interesting books that even I, an adult and former elementary school teacher, enjoy reading with him. There are so many things to stop and talk about if you want to have deeper discussions, and they also do well on their own without any talk. The authors clearly understand how to relate adult figures to younger children. Our only gripe is that there is no "Who is Bobby Orr".

My 8 year old loves these books! They are full of great information and easy to read and follow along. I enjoy reading them together and discussing the history in them!

This is a great book for anyone who loves sports, wants to know about the amazing athlete Wayne Gretzky, or is just starting to read chapter books. I bought this book for my seven-year old son, who just started playing hockey and just started reading chapter books. What a treat! He took the book to school to read during their free reading time, he read it after school and before bed. He told me “Mom, did you know that Wayne Gretzky skated in his back yard ice rink and went to dinner with his skates on? Everyday!” (everyday, that is, in the winter time in Ontario) I read the book so I could discuss the story with my son and I was struck by how well it is written. The opening is exciting and fast paced. The sentences are short for beginning readers. The writer then goes into the story of Wayne’s childhood, his love for the sport, his family’s support – even grandmother played goalie for the Great One when he was a toddler. The writer includes details that are good for children to know – that this amazing athlete had his moments of disappointment – for example the five-year old hockey player cried when he did not receive a trophy the first year – and though he was talented, he worked very hard to achieve his goals. When Gretzky was fourteen he was invited to play junior hockey in another city, but he missed his family. My son paid attention to these details about family life – especially to the fact that the fourteen-year old Wayne had a younger brother who was only three. “Imagine how he missed his little brother,” my son pointed out to me. Even professional NHL players have their moments of disappointment and make mistakes – it’s great for young readers to share in the exciting moments but also understand how to respond in life when things don’t go your way.

Got it for our seven year old hockey player.He loved it.It really emphasized Hardwork and sportsmanship. Just get it, you won’t be sorry!

Worked well for what I needed it for. Easy to read and use for a report for my grandson.

Some of the players names are hard to read but this is a great book for young readers. My son loved it and highly recommends.

My grandson loved this book.

My 7 year old son ordered for book report. It was a good read for him, kept his interest, would recommend.