John Danakas: 5 books

Until a mere generation ago, black football players were largely unproven as quarterbacks since they were excluded from a position that demanded strategic thinking instead of brute force. So, talented players headed north, rising to stardom in Canada. John Danakas profiles the pioneering athletes who donned new team colours and changed their sport. [Fry Reading Level - 4.8

How did the Kenora Thistles become, against all odds, the smallest team and the smallest town ever to win the Stanley Cup? This famously scrappy hockey team was founded in the rough and tumble town of Kenora, Ontario, at the end of the 19th century. A decade later, playing far away from home,...

Cody Powell has graduated from playing pick-up hockey on the streets of Winnipeg to skating with his community club team, the Transcona Sharks. Coach Brackett is impressed with Cody's speed and stickhandling ability, and promotes him to the team's first line. Unfortunately, Cody takes Stu,...

Lizzie's just been named captain of the soccer team -- the boys' soccer team -- but some of her teammates aren't playing nice. Will it be boys vs. girls forever, or can Lizzie think of a way to settle the score, once and for all? Lizzie's Soccer Showdown is the story of a strong young woman who, when faced with prejudice, reacts with grace under pressure.

On his old team, Tom Poulos was a star catcher. But his new team is different. For one thing, all the players are older and bigger than him. For another, no matter how hard he tries or how hard he practices, he can't catch the curve balls that the pitcher sends flying over the plate. Tom feels like...