Over Time

In what author/illustrator Kevin Sylvester promises in his introduction is the final instalment of the “Hockey Super Six” series, the team members find themselves under attack by not just a regular villain, but by social media and essentially the entire world. When their old nemesis, Clarence Crosscheck, and newer enemy, Jill “Slapper” McHilhargy, team up to convince the whole world that the Super Six are the bad guys, it’s up to Karl, Starlight, Jenny, Benny, DJ, and Mo to prove that they are good—and to save not only rinks around the world, but the world itself!

Once again, hockey puns, silly supervillains, and comic-book style illustrations combine with an action-packed plot that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end while also incorporating a positive message that could lead to some great discussion. This time, though, Sylvester’s not-so-subtle message to readers seems to be about critical thinking, the power of social media, and how easy it is for media to manipulate what viewers see and believe. In no time at all, the Hockey Super Six are painted as villains just because of a few strategic interviews. It’s a great way to introduce young readers to this very real topic in a way that could resonate with them.
Fans of the “Hockey Super Six” will be pleased that this “last” book in the series features all the same good stuff as its predecessors—and I put “last” in quotes because I’ll believe it when I see it…or rather, when I don’t see it. I just don’t think we’ve seen the last of the Super Six. Check out the final acknowledgments and you’ll see why…