Hockey Night in Kenya - (Orca Echoes) by Danson Mutinda & Eric Walters (Paperback)

About the Book

In this illustrated short chapter book, two Kenyan orphans get to experience the joy of playing ice hockey.

Book Synopsis

★ "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?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Review Quotes

"Provides readers with opportunities to reflect on their own goals. The theme of this story highlights the importance of how our attitudes are influenced not only by ourselves, but also by the support we have around us."

-- "BC Books for Schools"

★ "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"

"Uplifting and welcome. The book allows young readers to learn about life in an orphanage in rural Kenya."-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"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"

About the Author

Danson Mutinda's parents, Ruth and Henry Kyatha, cofounded the Hope Development Centre orphanage with Eric and Anita Walters in 2007. When Henry passed away, Danson became patron of the program. He and his coauthor, 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. He lives in Kikima, Kenya, on the grounds of the orphanage.

Eric Walters began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. A Member of the Order of Canada, he has now published more than 100 novels and picture books. He is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 100,000 students per year in schools across Canada. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.