Checked

Gr 4–6—Eleven-year-old Conor loves hockey; his rescue Doberman, Sinbad; and his dad. Initially the 11-year-old focuses on advancing to the next level in hockey. Sinbad and his dad accompany him to dryland workouts in the canyon each weekend, and his dad further encourages his son's ambition (NHL—what else?) by paying for and driving him to a variety of hockey-related lessons every weekday. Subplots develop when Conor discovers that Sinbad has a malignant lump, he overhears his dad crying, and Conor's deceased mom's parents want to play a role in his life. John Kroft's narration is expertly paced to keep the listener engaged on multiple levels. Conor deals with tough choices: exorbitantly expensive chemo treatment that would only extend Sinbad's life a few years at best, contrasted with hockey goals and a realistic look at finances.