Hockey is a relatively new sport in Canada's North. It wasn't until 2003 that Jordin Kudluk "Thunder" Tootoo became the first Inuk to play in an NHL game. Although hockey is a rough sport to begin with, Jordin Tootoo is known for having to "fight his way through." Jordin has had more than his fair share of fights — both on and off the ice. He's had to overcome the social problems that are associated with the North, fight his way through the discrimination and culture shock he encountered after leaving Rankin Inlet and moving to Alberta to play in the Juniors, and see his way through the grief of losing his NHL-bound older brother and hero, Terence Tootoo, to suicide in 2002. This new biography explores the struggles and accomplishments of the most recognized role model for young Aboriginal and Inuit people today. [Fry Reading Level - 4.6]
Jordin Tootoo
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"Though the primary focus of this book is hockey, the book covers a wide range of topics and issues that a young reader can take away with them, such as the rights of Inuit people on their land, the federal government’s description and recognition of Indigenous peoples, racism" (Christine MacFarlane Windspeaker )
...Tootoo's story is as much a tale about two brothers as it is about the love of hockey...With text boxes and photographs that complement the story and contribute to the reader's experience, each page of this fast paced read details Tootoo's ambition and fighting spirit. (Ana Malespin Resource Links 20110202)
Though the primary focus of this book is hockey...also covers a wide range of topics and issues that will likely lead to further discussion, including rights of Inuit people on their land, the federal government's description and recognition of indigenous peoples, racism and the higher incidence of Aboriginal youth suicide. (Nicole Dalmer CM Magazine 20110201)
Like her subject, the author doesn't pull many punches in Tootoo's rousing, rather hard-bitten tale, which, thankfully, has a storybook ending aimed directly at teenage-boy reluctant readers. (Kirkus Reviews www.kirkusreviews.com 20110115)
This biography follows Jordin's childhood in the Arctic, rooted in Inuit tradition and his parents' constant support...Photographs and factoid insets spread throughout the biography help the reader visualize Tootoo's childhood. Rich descriptive language brings the reader into the hockey game where "blades cut a path across the ice and breathing rasps." Curriculum Connections: This text lends itself well as a resource for biography research and writing units, supports a character study for sports and Aboriginal heroes, and packs enough action to be a great "book for boys" in a classroom library. (Amanda Forbes Canadian Teacher Magazine 20120601)
...Tootoo's story is as much a tale about two brothers as it is about the love of hockey...With text boxes and photographs that complement the story and contribute to the reader's experience, each page of this fast paced read details Tootoo's ambition and fighting spirit. (Ana Malespin Resource Links 20110202)
Though the primary focus of this book is hockey...also covers a wide range of topics and issues that will likely lead to further discussion, including rights of Inuit people on their land, the federal government's description and recognition of indigenous peoples, racism and the higher incidence of Aboriginal youth suicide. (Nicole Dalmer CM Magazine 20110201)
Like her subject, the author doesn't pull many punches in Tootoo's rousing, rather hard-bitten tale, which, thankfully, has a storybook ending aimed directly at teenage-boy reluctant readers. (Kirkus Reviews www.kirkusreviews.com 20110115)
This biography follows Jordin's childhood in the Arctic, rooted in Inuit tradition and his parents' constant support...Photographs and factoid insets spread throughout the biography help the reader visualize Tootoo's childhood. Rich descriptive language brings the reader into the hockey game where "blades cut a path across the ice and breathing rasps." Curriculum Connections: This text lends itself well as a resource for biography research and writing units, supports a character study for sports and Aboriginal heroes, and packs enough action to be a great "book for boys" in a classroom library. (Amanda Forbes Canadian Teacher Magazine 20120601)
About the Author
MELANIE FLORENCE is a proud Cree and a full-time journalist and children's writer currently based in Toronto. Melanie is working on her first YA novel, the story of an Aboriginal boy growing up on the rez.
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The "Tootoo Train"
Feb 1 2013
By Jeffery Mingo
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Tootoo comes from a Canadian province that only has 28,000 residents. That's less folk than the population of American Samoa! His background sounded a bit like Sarah Palin's: living in/near the tundra, hunting food, eating raw meat, etc.
Later in the book, Tootoo stated that his parents required that he perform well in school. However, there's a focus on not being gentlemanly while playing hockey. His father coached him to play rough. He gained roughness by playing with older guys. The book speaks a lot about him fighting on the ice and admits that some fans just wouldn't be entertained if hockey players didn't engage in fisticuffs. Unfortunately, I do fear that this ruffianism plays into the stereotype of the "wild savage."
I'm so glad the book includes the phrase "highs and lows" in its title. Yes, Tootoo is a barrier-breaker and role model. However, his brother committed suicide. I never got the sense that Tootoo obtained a school diploma. The book concludes with the suggestion that he might not be playing in the NHL for much longer because most players have short careers. They show him in a photo with a black eye. Like many books designed for young readers, it has gushy parts, but it does show that no one is perfect.
What shocked me the most, however, was the book's format. When the librarian passed the book to me, both of us had our jaws on the ground because the book is so small in size. It's about the size of my hand! The American-produced books that I have read about American athletes are larger, in color, with big fonts, etc. This book is paperback, only has B&W photos, has small print, etc. I don't know if Canadian publishing houses just don't have as many resources as their American counterparts or if Canadian children will grab a book that is just not all that eye-catching.
Later in the book, Tootoo stated that his parents required that he perform well in school. However, there's a focus on not being gentlemanly while playing hockey. His father coached him to play rough. He gained roughness by playing with older guys. The book speaks a lot about him fighting on the ice and admits that some fans just wouldn't be entertained if hockey players didn't engage in fisticuffs. Unfortunately, I do fear that this ruffianism plays into the stereotype of the "wild savage."
I'm so glad the book includes the phrase "highs and lows" in its title. Yes, Tootoo is a barrier-breaker and role model. However, his brother committed suicide. I never got the sense that Tootoo obtained a school diploma. The book concludes with the suggestion that he might not be playing in the NHL for much longer because most players have short careers. They show him in a photo with a black eye. Like many books designed for young readers, it has gushy parts, but it does show that no one is perfect.
What shocked me the most, however, was the book's format. When the librarian passed the book to me, both of us had our jaws on the ground because the book is so small in size. It's about the size of my hand! The American-produced books that I have read about American athletes are larger, in color, with big fonts, etc. This book is paperback, only has B&W photos, has small print, etc. I don't know if Canadian publishing houses just don't have as many resources as their American counterparts or if Canadian children will grab a book that is just not all that eye-catching.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tootoo Rocks!!!
Sep 29 2011
By tnrealmom
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love Tootoo and I love the Predators. This book was very informative with really nice pictures of Tootoo and his brother. GO PREDS!!
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4.0 out of 5 stars
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