Scroll down for reviews, an excerpt. Don’t miss the batch of glowing fan letters from young people who have read my kids hockey book Face-Off over the years, like this one: “This is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read…I couldn’t change any part of this story to make it better if I tried.” Visit the Offsides page for a synopsis of the long-awaited Face-Off sequel and more fan letters.
Head-to-Head, Skate-to-Skate, It’s Winner Takes All! Rival twin brothers battle on and off the ice in this hockey classic written when Stacy was just 16-years-old. Discover why this compelling novel about hockey players, high school sports, sportsmanship, sibling rivalry, and families dealing with divorce has appeared on so many reading lists including Best Books for Young Teen Readers Grades 7-10 and a list produced by the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Junior Education Program. Brad’s twin brother T.J. has gotten himself out of the fancy prep school his father picked for him and into the public high school Brad attends. Now T.J. is a shining new star on the hockey team where Brad once held the spotlight. And he’s testing his popularity with Brad’s friends, eyeing Brad’s girl and competing to be captain of the team. Meanwhile, the twins must also cope with problems at home, including divorcing parents and a troubled younger brother. The whole school is rooting for a big double-strength win…not knowing that their twin hockey stars are heating up the ice for a winner takes all face-off. NEW: The revised version contains a special letter to readers, some edits geared toward today’s generation of young people, and a bonus excerpt of the planned, long-awaited sequel, Offsides.
Honors:
The Hockey Hall of Fame’s Junior Education Program – Recommended reading list for the junior and intermediate levels.
Best Books for Young Teen Readers: Grades 7-10 by John T. Gillespie – Recommended in the sports category.
Extras:
Listen to a sample of this lively kids hockey book on Audible
Read an excerpt
Interested in placing a bulk order? Visit the Group Orders page for a special deal.
Download the Reader’s Guide/Classroom Guide for Book Clubs and Teachers
Download a fun Word Search puzzle: Face-Off Word Search
$7.99 trade paperback version available from your local bookseller and the following on-line retailers.
Direct from publisher
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books A Million
Walmart.com
$2.99 and up e-book versions available from Amazon.
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Amazon international links
Kobo
Smashwords
iBookstore
Google Play
The audio version is narrated by Maxwell Glick. It is WhisperSync for voice ready so that readers can switch seamlessly between listening and reading. This also means that if you own the Kindle edition, you can buy the audiobook for just $1.99. Audio retailers are listed below.
Amazon
Audible
iTunes
Reviews:
“There are a pile of moral lessons in Face-Off to help teach readers about the ups and downs of relationships with family and friends, and these are reinforced throughout the book by both the McKendrick family and by T.J.’s and Brad’s coach…I am happy to say that Face-Off certainly deserves the Teebz’s Book Club Seal of Approval.”
– Hockey Blog in Canada
“Maxwell Glick, the narrator, does a good job of changing tones when voicing all the different boy characters in this novel. I could distinguish the subtle pitch in TJ’s voice that was slightly different from Brad who was more of a hot-head…This book is a quick read and ideal for anyone who likes hockey within a school setting or who just likes a good clean YA read.”
– Library of Clean Reads
“The audio is excellent. The narrator is perfect for this story and he does a great job with the different voices.”
– WiLoveBooks
“I loved this book! First off, I am a huge hockey fan. (Born and raised cheering on the Washington Capitals.) Second, this book perfectly demonstrates the inner turmoil inside families, whether it is the side effects of parents fighting or sibling rivalries.”
– Ariesgirl Book Reviews
“The thing I really enjoyed about this book is that it wasn’t my typical hockey book. Most times I go for hockey romances but this was different. It was intriguing to see a book that does involve hockey without the romance. But at the same time I enjoyed the switch up. It’s always nice to take a step outside your comfort zone.”
– Reading Shy With Aly
“I don’t often give a full five rating to a book I’m reviewing and especially when it’s not in a genre I usually enjoy but I have to say Face Off had me drawn in from the beginning and I read it in all one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed it despite not being a teen and knowing nothing about ice hockey. (Although I do know a bit more about it now!)
– The Masquerade Crew
“Hockey fans will be attracted by the cover and held by the game descriptions, and those who like realistic fiction will appreciate the complexity of the boys’ home life, with battling parents, hero-worshipping younger siblings and a father who expects too little of one twin and too much of the other. A good read for both proficient and reluctant readers.”
– Booklist
“Lots of action and emotional upheaval ensure that this will be a popular book for boys as well as girls. This reviewer’s YA Book Review Group gave it nine points out of a possible ten for ‘Good Read’ status.”
– VOYA
“I dig the witty banter among brothers and friends. My heart went out to those boys when at home. Another pleasing story that keeps you thirsting for more.”
– Tifferz Book Review
“I’m a new fan of Juba’s, but it’s like I’ve been reading her writing for years. What I like most about it is that she can make two POVs completely different…It’s a good message that Stacy Juba gives out, a rare one indeed that is neither present nor hidden in most stories.”
– My Home Away From Home & Mera’s YA Book List Review
“With lots of sports action and only 117 pages, the book has appeal for reluctant readers.”
– Kliatt
“This book is about hockey, but it is about more than that, too. It also shows how parents can impact their kids’ life and how to deal with change… This book reminds me of Miracle.”
– Review & React
“Stacy Juba does a great job showing the emotional issues both boys are facing. I could see many kids and adults relating to this story. I recommended this book to my son and the kids on his PeeWee hockey team.”
– Diane’s Book Blog
“The author’s knack for creating characters readers can care about, as well as conflict both on and off the ice, keeps the pages turning.”
– Metrowest Daily News
“Twin brothers compete on the hockey rink for their father’s approval.”
– As featured in Publisher’s Weekly
Face-Off Fan Mail
: Below are snippets of fan letters sent by children and parents over the years. Readers, e-mail Stacy to have your excerpt added to the list!
“I read your book, Face-Off, and it was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It has a lot of description and details…I also thought it was interesting the way you made me feel like I was in the book the way you described the school. You write some of the best books I’ve read in my life.”
– Daniel from Connecticut
“I read one of your books, Face-Off, and I liked it a lot. I read it because I play hockey and it is my favorite sport.”
– Buster, age 10, from Illinois
“I liked your book a lot. I really like how your story is so detailed and real. I can relate to this book because I have two brothers like T.J. Plus I play sports too. I don’t play hockey on a team, but I do love to play and watch hockey. Also T.J. sometimes fights with his brothers and so do I. I enjoyed reading Face-Off and hope to read more of your books.”
– Patty, age 12, from Michigan
“I especially enjoyed the book because I am fanatic about the sport of hockey. Also it dealt with real life family troubles, such as parents in the process of separating and twins holding grudges with one another.”
– Jeff, age 13, from Pennsylvania
“I am writing to comment on your book Face-Off. I think it is a great book.”
– Dean from Michigan
“I think Brad and T.J. are pretty cool characters being hockey fans (which is my favorite sport to play. I wonder where you came up with your ideas for their personalities because the characters seem very distinct.”
– Jason, age 15, from Minnesota
“This is one of my favorite books and I really enjoy it. The part of the book that I enjoy the most is the last part because it is so exciting and interesting.”
– Schyuler, age 13, from Michigan
“I am writing because I read your book Face-Off. I am 13 years old and I started playing hockey when I was 5 years old, and my one and only interest is hockey.”
– Matt from Michigan
“I really enjoyed it. The best part was when they were in the tournament. I like how you write. It gives me images. The reason I choosed this book was because it’s about sports. I like to read books about sports.”
– Manny from Massachusetts
“I thought it was a really good book and I will read it again. I like when the two brothers compete and when T.J. starts becoming popular with Brad’s friends and girl.”
– Steve from Michigan
“I read this book because we had to do a project on authors in my reading class. My teacher said you are a great author and my friend said that this is a great book, so I read it. This book was great. I thought that it had real life situations. It kind of shows you ways to handle your problems. Some situations were problems with hockey, family problems, school and a lot of other problems. That is why I liked the book. A lot of those things that happened, I can relate to myself… I think you are a great author. You are very talented.”
– Greg, age 13, from Massachusetts
“Face-Off was one of the best books I have ever read in a long time because I can really relate to it…when I read this book, I felt as if I were living the story. I would really like it if you produced a feature film and cast Brad and T.J. as my cousin and I. I learned a very important lesson from this story, nothing is worth arguing about if it can be resolved.”
– Joel from Massachusetts
“I picked your book for summer reading because I like to read books about hockey. One thing I liked about the story was how it showed what little it takes to set siblings off and have a fight.”
– Scott, age 15, from Maine
“I’m writing you for a book report and I hope you write back. I loved your book!”
– Danny from California
“I really liked your book Face-Off. My favorite chapter was the last one because that is the one where most of the action is.”
– Coby from Colorado
“Much to my dismay, my 6th grade hockey player doesn’t care for reading. I’m always on the hunt for sport stories and age appropriate pro-athlete biographies that he may find interesting. We gave him your “Face Off” book at Christmas and he loved it! Thank you for helping to contribute to my efforts to show him that reading can be fun!!:
– Kristin in Connecticut
