Kitoo and Nigosi have a unique friendship. Although the two boys have different interests and dreams, their support for one another gives them hope. The short novel Hockey Night in Kenya 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. These positive influences allow us to accomplish goals, even when the goals seem unrealistic. Authors Danson Mutinda and Eric Walters have a special relationship of their own, which is clearly reflected in their writing. With Mutinda’s knowledge of the Republic of Kenya, and Walter’s extensive experience publishing over 100 novels and picture books, the two were able to come together to create this empowering novel for young teens.

104 pp., 5.25 × 7.625", b&w illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Danson Mutinda’s parents, Ruth and Henry Kyatha, co-founded the Hope Development Centre orphanage with Eric and Anita Walters in 2007. When Henry passed away, Dansen became patron of the program. He and his co-author, 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. Danson lives in Kikima, Kenya, on the grounds of the orphanage.

Danson Mutinda's profile page

Eric Walters is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling novels for children and young adults. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch, Blue Heron, Red Maple, Snow Willow, Ruth Schwartz, and Tiny Torgi, and have received honours from the Canadian Library Association Book Awards and UNESCO's international award for Literature in Service of Tolerance.

Eric lives in Mississauga with his wife, Anita, and three children, Christina, Nicholas, and Julia. When not writing or touring across the country speaking to school groups, Eric spends time playing or watching soccer and basketball, or playing the saxophone.

To find out more about Eric and his novels, or to arrange for him to speak at your school, visit his website at www.ericwalters.net.

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Eric Walters' profile page

CLAUDIA DÁVILA a été directrice artistique des magazines Chirp et ChickaDEE, en plus d’être l’auteure-illustratrice de la série de bandes dessinées primées The Future According to Luz et de l’album Super Red Riding Hood. Elle a également illustré l’ouvrage percutant et multi récompensé Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War de Michel Chikwanine et Jessica Dee Humphreys, ainsi que Viminy Crowe’s Comic Book de Marthe Jocelyn et Richard Scrimger. Claudia est née à Santiago, au Chili, et vit maintenant à Toronto avec sa famille.

Claudia Dávila is the former art director of Chirp and chickaDEE magazines, and is the author-illustrator of the award-winning graphic novel series The Future According to Luz and the picture book Super Red Riding Hood. Claudia illustrated the powerful and multi-award-winning book Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War by Michel Chikwanine and Jessica Dee Humphreys, Viminy Crowe's Comic Book by Marthe Jocelyn and Richard Scrimger and The Canadian Kids Guide to Outdoor Fun by Helaine Becker. Claudia was born in Santiago, Chile, and lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children.

Claudia Dávila's profile page

• Short-listed, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Award
• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

“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 blog

“Uplifting and welcome. The book allows young readers to learn about life in an orphanage in rural Kenya.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

★ “This simple story of discovery, sport, and friendship is filled with likable characters and innocently joyful moments...Delightful.”

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“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