The Rink Rats

Book excerpt: Tom gets his first lesson in responsibility when he and his team agree to tidy up an outdoor rink. It's a snowy February in Calgary, and the bumpy outdoor rink at Crescent Park needs a lot of work. Tom and his friends pledge to perfect it in time for the annual Family Day hockey game, and soon they get to work. But maintaining and improving a rink proves to be a lot of work for the boys: They are faced with repeated snowfalls, ice damage, illness, and poor performance in their hockey games, due to their weariness from all of the extra work! One day a tempting invitation creates a conflict with their work commitment, and now it's up to them -- to choose between honouring their pledge or watching their favourite NHL team in action. This charming chapter book is the fourth installment in Irene Punt's series featuring Tom and the Glenlake Hawks. With the fun backdrop of seasonal school activities and hockey games, she touches on the important themes of teamwork, conflict resolution, and acceptance of responsibility -- all with the cheerful, positive outlook of an average, everyday kid.