Hockey families are a special breed, and the right book can turn an early riser at the rink into an early reader at home. From gentle picture books to fast middle-grade novels, here are the best hockey books for kids, sorted by age, including a brand-new keepsake for fans who bleed red and black.
Hockey picture books for ages 0 to 6
Start with rhythm, color, and heart. Our The Whole State Roared and Raised Its Sticks turns a state's long-awaited hockey championship into a hand-painted rhyming bedtime story, complete with overtime battles, a Game 6 shutout, and a coast that never stopped believing. It is available now on Amazon and makes a wonderful gift for new parents and lifelong fans alike.
The Whole State Roared and Raised Its Sticks
A hockey championship in cozy, hand-painted rhyme, in red and black.
Buy on Amazon Learn moreHockey books for early readers, ages 6 to 9
Once a child is reading on their own, short nonfiction and story-driven early chapter books keep the momentum going. Look for books that explain the rules, the positions, and the history of the game in simple language, plus photo-filled biographies of hockey greats that reward a young fan's curiosity.
Hockey books for middle grade, ages 9 to 12
This is the age for hockey novels. Stories about a big game, a tough season, or a kid finding their place on a new team give middle graders both the sport they love and the real-life themes that make a book stick. Pair the drama on the ice with friendship, family, and grit.
How to pick the right hockey book
Match the book to the reader. For a gift or a bedtime keepsake, a hand-painted picture book is hard to beat. For a growing reader, a chapter book or a sports novel builds stamina and love of reading. And if your young fan loves every sport, not just hockey, see our roundup of the best basketball books for kids and our full guide to children's books about sports.
More from Gold Standard
Our Championship Keepsakes series turns unforgettable sports nights into books families keep forever. If your reader also loves gym class, The Dodgeball Manual collects fifty dodgeball games from a longtime PE teacher.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good hockey book for a preschooler?
Choose a rhyming picture book with strong art and a simple, exciting story. Our The Whole State Roared and Raised Its Sticks turns a hockey championship into a hand-painted bedtime rhyme that preschoolers love to hear again and again.
Are there hockey books for older kids?
Yes. Middle-grade hockey novels pair the game with real-life themes like friendship and grit, and photo-filled nonfiction introduces the history and the greats of the sport for readers around 8 to 12.
What makes a hockey picture book good for bedtime?
Look for a steady rhyme, warm art, and a hopeful ending. A book that reads aloud with a strong beat and lands on a satisfying final line helps a young fan wind down while still feeling the thrill of the game.