Breaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League

(Hardback)

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Description

The inspiring true story of Manon Rhaume, the first and only woman to play a game in the National Hockey League, featuring an afterward from Manon herself.

One day, a woman will play in the National Hockey League. If no one prevents her, said a twelve-year-old Manon Rhaume. Manon always dreamed of playing hockey. So, when the team her father coached needed a goalie, five-year-old Manon begged for the chance to play. She didnt care that shed be the only girl in the entire league or that hockey was considered a boys sport in her hometown of Lac-Beauport, Quebec, Canada. All she cared about was the game. After her father gave her that first chance to play, she embarked on a spectacular, groundbreaking career in hockey.

At every level of competition, Manon was faced with naysayers, but she continued to play, earning her place on prestigious teams and ultimately becoming the first woman to play a game in the NHL. Including an afterword written by Manon herself, Breaking the Ice is the true story of one girls courage, determination, and love for the sport.

Reviews

Bullaro keeps the pace in this highlight reel of a biography. Paynes illustrations...truly capture the velocity and scale of hockey and Manons unique position in it. An eminently enjoyable biography, not just for hockey fans, but for all who love stories of pioneering women. -- Kirkus Reviews * 9/15/20 *
Written in third person from Manons viewpoint, the story unfolds with moments of drama and success, underpinned by her determination. Paynes expressive large-scale illustrations, created with acrylics and colored pencils, portray even minor characters as individuals. In an excellent appended note, Rhaume reflects on her experiences, applauds the success of womens hockey, and muses its crazy that she remains the only woman to have played a game in any of the four major North American sports leagues.
-- Booklist * 9/1/20 *
This straightforward, inspirational biography emphasizes Rhaumes grit (She played with bruised arms and pulled muscles) and the sexism she faced (coaches still cut her from the best teams simply because she was a girl). Paynes intensely detailed illustrations realistically capture the dull sheen of goalie pads and the thwack of slap shots as Rhaume plays her way to the pros. Includes an afterword by Rhaume, a timeline, and fun facts.
-- Publishers Weekly * 9/14/20 *

Author Bio

Angie Bullaromakes her authorial debut withBreaking the Ice. She has been playing sports for about as long as she has been able to walk. She has always loved sports stories about underdogs and feels privileged to tell such an important story. She is now a (somewhat) proficient ice hockey goalie and an avid hockey fan. Angie lives in New York City with her husband, Mike Musco. Along with writing, she is also an actress and film producer. You can learn more about her atAngieBullaro.com.

C. F. Paynehas illustrated more than a dozen picture books, including theNew York TimesbestsellingMousetronautby astronaut Mark Kelly;the Texas Bluebonnet winnerShoeless Joe & Black Betsy,written by Phil Bildner;and theNew York TimesbestsellersThe Remarkable Farkle McBrideandMicawber, both by John Lithgow. He teaches at the Columbus College of Art & Design, where he is the chair of the Illustration Department. Payne lives with his wife and children in Cincinnati, Ohio. Visit him online at CFPayne.com.