The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey

by Chad Soon, Amy Qi (Illustrator), Chad Soon

Larry Kwong became the first player of Asian descent in the NHL when he played one shift with the New York Rangers in 1948. Even though Larry's achievement happened more than 70 years ago, his contribution to hockey is only now being recognized. He broke hockey's color barrier and fought racism and discrimination at every step of his career. From his humble beginnings on the outdoor rinks in Vernon, British Columbia's Chinatown all the way to playing at Madison Square Garden and in the NHL, this inspiring hero has a timeless story for young readers.

Genres: Biography, Sports, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, History, Asian Literature

104 pages, Hardcover

Published February 13, 2024

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography that was very interesting to read.

[Carolyn Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey is a powerful and inspiring read for older children who enjoy sports, Canadian history, or stories about real-life heroes. This well-written biography tells the remarkable story of Larry Kwong, the first Chinese Canadian to play in the NHL, who broke hockey’s color barrier more than 70 years ago.

From frozen outdoor rinks in Vernon, BC’s Chinatown to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, Larry’s journey is filled with determination, talent, and quiet courage. The story flows smoothly, and the illustrations are a perfect match—vivid and full of feeling.

Highly recommended for classrooms, libraries, and families. Larry Kwong’s legacy deserves to be known and celebrated.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad that Chad Soon was curious about Larry Kwon, a hockey player that his grandfather spoke about and that Soon--after failing to find information about Kwong tracked down the player (who was then in his 80s) and interviewed him several times over a decade. This book is a TREASURE!

Young readers learn about life in Canada where Kwong grew up in a small town that had a significant Chinese population. Kwong was obsessed with hockey at a young age and begged his mother for skates. He skated on ponds initially. He not only had passion, he had talent. He did very well in a junior league and then played for several teams over his career.

The book not only highlights his athletic achievements, it shows Kwong having to deal with racism, which ranged from laws prohibiting voting, policies disallowing Chinese from working several types of jobs, and being denied a chance to play for some teams because of their racism.

It's a great book about working hard, being resilient, and fighting for change.

The illustrations by Amy Qi are very vivid and engaging. The backmatter includes a timeline about Kwong, a glossary, an index, and information about the author Chad Soon; his co-author, George Chiang, and the illustrator.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting bio about the first player of Asian descent to play in an NHL game — and all the reasons he isn’t better known. Fully color illustrated with lots of additional context. This would be really good for readers not yet ready for Akim Aliu’s Dreamer

[Wunderdrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is nominated for the 2026 Hackmatack Award in the English Non-fiction category. It tells the story of Larry Kwong, who has the distinction of being the "first player of Asian descent in the NHL". Larry's story is inspirational and heartbreaking, all at the same time. It was awful to read about all of the discrimination and prejudice Larry faced, but inspiring to know that despite all of that he lived a joyful life without becoming bitter and resentful.
I think that this story is a great way to teach kids about the history of our country, and the challenges that were faced by people in Canada who were not of European ancestry. Larry was a tremendous example of humility and grace in the face of ignorance. Highly recommend this title, especially for kids interested in hockey.

[Shoshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for sports and hockey fans alike!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know very little about sports and nothing at all about hockey, so it's no surprise that I had never heard of Larry Kwong before picking up THE LONGEST SHOT. Kwong was an Asian Canadian who dreamed of playing in the NHL at a time when people who looked like him were not allowed to play professional sports. Although he had the skills to compete on that level, always worked hard to better them, and was a congenial team player, he faced constant career blocks due to racism and discrimination. Although he did become the first person of Asian descent to play in the NHL, it was literally for just ONE MINUTE. Nonetheless, he made history. He was also known for being an ambassador for hockey and Chinese culture, for being community minded, and for exhibiting kindness and humility.

Kwong's story is an interesting and inspiring one. It teaches valuable lessons about hard work, pursuing goals, enduring hardships, and preservering through challenges. THE LONGEST SHOT tells his story in simple but strong prose that is enhanced by Amy Qi's vivid, realistic illustrations. The book should appeal to kids who like sports, especially hockey, and anyone who's interested in the contributions of Asian Canadians.

If I could, I'd give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larry's long shot should not have been so long. Sadly, this book was a little more frustrating than I'd hoped, because I was optimistic that he would thrive in the face of discrimination, as the first man of Asian descent to play in the NHL. Sadly, Larry's story is empowering and important, but also a little discouraging and sad. Reality sometimes lets us down. Larry's story serves as a reminder that most change doesn't come easily. It doesn't come when/how it is deserved and and it doesn't happen quickly. Larry's courage to persevere took his lifetime. And then some. Might we all read and remember the way things have been, consider the way they should be, and ensure we stand up for the way they will be in the future. An interesting and worthwhile biography.

Read as a nomination in the nonfiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

Maybe not the first choice in nonfiction for all of us, to read about a Chinese man in hockey history, but illustrated well. I sometimes felt like the illustrations/info boxes didn't mat the specific page they were on especially well.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story for the young and old! A true account of the drive of a phenomenal young athlete that was determined to follow his dream despite all obstacles. Although he may not have had the recognition he deserved at the time, he received it many years later with author Chad Soon’s dedication in bringing this amazing story to light.

[Joyanne Drinkwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important part of Canada’s history that needs to be shared. The author has done an amazing job of detailing Larry Kwong’s journey to play professional hockey, and how he became one of the first athletes to break the colour barrier.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how many stories I read about discrimination in sport I still get mad. Larry would have been an asset for any team. Good to know that the world of sport is slowly changing to be more accepting .

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story that not too many people know…but we all should. Engaging artwork and enjoyable for readers no matter what their age.

[Lucas Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about an amazing story. Great artwork to go alongside the biography. Well done, would recommend to all.

[Anna Rosner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding hockey biography; exceptionally well-told, beautifully illustrated, and so, so informative. A must read!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of Larry Kwang, the first Chinese-Canadian to play professional hockey. Even though he had his chance, it didn’t last long because of discriminatory laws, World War II, and racism.

[Mary-Esther Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written bio of an athlete who deserved better.

[Marla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maine Student Book Award Nominee 2025-2026