The Highest Number in the World

Gr 1–3—Nine-year-old Gabe has been selected for the best hockey team in town, and she is its youngest member. She wore her lucky number 22 jersey for tryouts, in honor of her hero, Hayley Wickenheiser, a Canadian Olympic star. Unfortunately, when the coach passes out the new jerseys, Gabe gets number nine, and she refuses to be on the team. Grandma Gabriella comes to the rescue later that night, telling her granddaughter how it was when she was young and played hockey. They didn't even allow girls on the team—she had to pretend she was a boy until she was caught. Back in her day, everyone, including Grandma, sported number nine because that's what the famous players wore. Gabe, of course, has a change of heart . The story may have the most meaning to children in Canada, but it could appeal to young hockey fanatics no matter where they live. Despres's gouache illustrations are light and simple. The warmth between the grandmother and granddaughter as well as Gabe's initial disappointment are shown clearly in their amusing expressions. Recommended as a secondary purchase.—Diane McCabe, John Muir Elementary, Santa Monica, CA