Henry Holton Takes the Ice

by Sandra Bradley, Sara Palacios (Illustrator)

A “Billy Elliott on ice” story about following your heart no matter where it takes you. Illustrated by Pura Belpré Illustration Honor Award winner Sara Palacios.

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Family, Hockey, Fiction, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous, inspiring read about being true to yourself and following your heart. A wonderful story with equally wonderful illustrations. You'll especially love the supportive grandma.

[CanadianReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

2019 Review
(2.5) Henry Horton is from a hockey-mad family. He even has a dog named Gretzky. From the moment Henry is born, there is no question he will play; it’s just a matter of which position. He begins skating as a toddler, effortlessly swishing and swooshing along on the ice. However, when a hockey stick is placed in his hands, he becomes disastrously clumsy. (The illustrations show he’s responsible for dangerous player pile-ups.) He’s also utterly bored moving up and down the rink in pursuit of a puck, and he dislikes the aggression. A poster announcing the ice- dancing club’s annual extravaganza changes everything for Henry. He attends with his mum and thrills to the graceful movement to music, loves the gorgeous costumes, and aspires to owning a pair of skates with picks—quite unlike the new hockey skates he currently owns. It takes a hockey strike of sorts, some words with a sympathetic family member (who just happens to have an old pair of figure skates), and his father watching him during a free skate before things really change for Henry.

Bradley’s is clearly a picture book with an agenda, a worthy enough one, as it happens, but it’s all a bit predictable. To her credit, Bradley includes some realistic details. It isn’t just Henry’s dad who resists the idea of his son getting a pair of figure skates; Henry’s sister opines that ice dancing is for girls, and even his mum is reluctant to take him to the ice-dancing performance. Females can be just as mired in stereotypes as males, and I applaud the author for not shying away from this. Even if it’s a bit formulaic, we need this kind of book to expand the range of activities both girls and boys should be able to participate in.

A note on illustrator Sara Palacios’ work: it’s lively enough, I suppose, but cartoonish and pretty childish looking. A lot of the pictures look as though they’re done in pencil crayon, not that there’s anything wrong with that; I just would’ve liked a little more sophistication.
————————————————————————
2016 Review

Boys continue to have a rough time if they eschew rough and tumble sports, so when young Henry Holton rejects his family's hockey madness for the magic of ice dancing, it takes a while for his family to catch up with him. His grandmother, a former figure skater who rejected figure skating for hockey understands and gives Henry her old skates. When Henry's dad sees the boy's joy on ice, he comes to his senses, getting a good pair of skates for his son as well as a coach. As grandma says, Henry is a beauty, skating against the stereotypes which hold boys back far more than girls.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn -- I agree that kids need books that show perseverance and that sometimes we have to fight hard to overcome adversity. But holy cow, Henry Holton faced roadblocks, negative attitudes, put downs, and a complete dismissal of his preferences before he was allowed to try ice dancing. Realistic perhaps but still a harsh and unforgiving portrayal of what happens when boys like something generally considered 'girly.'

[Jason · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once upon a time there was a boy/girl/elephant who was pressured to do things the way everyone else in his/her school/family/church/friend group did them but then realized that they had to do things THEIR OWN WAY and after some minor misunderstandings, they got the FULL SUPPORT of their school/family/church/friend group. THE END.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it's predictable, but that doesn't keep it from being charming. And there are fewer books about boys wanting to do "girl" things than the other way around. I don't think that Palacios's art style is what I'd have picked for this book, but the illustrations are bold and energetic.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry Holton, the black sheep of his redheaded hockey-loving family, just doesn't fit in, until he goes to see ice dancing at the rink and realizes he wants to dance on the ice instead. It takes the support of his ex-figure-skating grandma to convince his family that this is his passion, but they eventually come around. I was glad to see that his hockey-loving father didn't object to ice dancing because it was "for girls" (his tomboy sister is the one who brings that up, despite the fact that she and other girls play hockey passionately with no gender issues), but instead just doesn't seem to understand why hockey isn't good enough for Henry. And when he sees how much Henry loves ice dancing, his supportive father is the one who buys him top of the line skates and gets him a coach. The illustrations are adorable and the story is heartwarming and modern, and perfect for families who are looking for not-so-football-and-monster-trucks "boy books."

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about hockey and figure skating for kids; I listened to this one on Storyline Online. It's too bad it's out of print. I know a lot of kids who would like it (or love it).

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable but appealing and encouraging.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the story is predictable, albeit done in a different setting, Henry's hockey mad family is fun and loving. Winter Olympics and sports fans in general will like this book.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great "don't be afraid to be yourself," book and message. Hockey fans will love and appreciate Henry's story, as well as moms and dads.

[Marg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great choice for our 2nd Annual L&A's Big Family Read!

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Holton Takes the Ice is a children's picture book written by Sandra Bradley and illustrated by Sara Palacios. It is a quaint story about Henry Holton, a budding figure skater, in a family of hockey fanatics.

Bradley's text is rather simplistic and straightforward. It is a story about a hockey mad family trying to cope with a budding figure skater in their ranks. Palacios' illustrations are colorful and accentuate the text extremely rather well – not to mention they are all redheads – I have a weakness for them.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Henry Holton is a budding figure skater in a family of hockey players – his parents, older sister, grandfather, uncle, and twenty-three of his cousins. Raised on hockey, Henry Holton loves to skate, but when a hockey stick was placed in his hands – it felt wrong. It was not until he saw a figure skating event that he knew what he was destined to be – a figure skater. It took a while, but his family came to terms with this.

All in all, Henry Holton Takes the Ice is a rather good book about being true to oneself.

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

For families that are in love with sports, this is just the book for you. As you read this story you are taken on an adventure with Henry and a battle he has with his family. Henry just wants to follow his dreams but his family wants him to follow in their family's footsteps. Throughout the book, we learn the meaning of following your dreams and sticking to your heart. When we pay close attention to the pictures we notice what each person looks like and the majority of the colors are the same. This signifies a connection of family throughout the reading. Each amount of information that the book incorporates is not only a great teaching moment for children but a great read as well. The author writes this book with very close attention to detail. AS you read you can tell that each word choice that is used is a very significant part of the story. This book deserves the start that is rated because each detail that is incorporated is very specific to everyday life.

[Lexi Wesson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is encouraging and inspiring for young children! I thought it was uplifting and conveyed the value of choosing your own path. Henry grew up in a hockey-loving family, but he was not that big of a fan. He learned that he wanted to be a figure skater, that still involves ice! He faces negativity throughout his journey, but he is able to overcome the obstacles. This book sends the message that children can be who they want to be even when their family does not approve in the beginning. Family will come around and they will always love you! Great read and addition to your classroom bookshelf!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Holton belonged to a family of hockey players, from his big sister all the way to his grandparents. They all loved to play hockey - all except for Henry. It just didn't feel right to him to hold a hockey stick and play the rough game. When he found out about ice dancing on skates, his father said no way! Henry refused to skate again until he could have skates for ice dancing, skates with picks. One day his grandmother reveals something wonderful to him, and things begin to change.
Great story about following your dream, and not having to be like everyone else. Nicely illustrated.

[Makenna Rojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The book's main lesson is to be true to yourself and do whatever you want to do. You don't need to focus on just fitting in. The book is about a little boy born into a hockey family, everyone expected him to be a great hockey player. When he started skating he was amazing until his parents put a stick in his hands and henry was just plain no good at hockey. He then soon realizes that figure skating is what he is meant to do! Great for children learning to do what they're passionate about.

[Kayla Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The book's main lesson is to be true to yourself and do whatever you want to do, you don't need to fit in. The book is about a little boy born into a hockey family, everyone expected him to be just like his family. When he started skating he was amazing until his parents put a stick in his hands and henry was just plain no good at hockey. He then soon realizes that figure skating is what he is meant to do.

[Miss Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry's whole family lives and loves hockey. Henry is a great skater but whenever he holds a stick his feet get all muddled up. He then discovers figure skating and realizes that it is perfect for him. With the support of his grandma he gives it a try. Soon the rest of his family also support him in his desire to figure skate. This book was great to point out the boys and girls can both play hockey and boys and girls can both figure skate.

[Apple · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute little story, and the illustrations are lovely. I appreciate the message of breaking out from family tradition, or society's, to do what you love. I had this read to me by Ray Romano on YouTube ( https://youtu.be/I31vI7152ew ) and I feel like he didn't do a great job, lol. But it didn't ruin the book no biggie.

[Maia Binswanger]

This story shows a family of hockey players, but Henry doesn't want to play hockey, he wants to figure skate! It's a good story that shows just because you're family or the people around you do one thing, doesn't mean you have to do it too, or be pressured to. You should do what makes you happy, and the people who love you will support you-and if they don't, just keep doing what makes you happy.

[Paige Fulkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's ok to do something that nobody else does! Do what makes you happy!
This is a super cute story about a boy who doesn't share his family's talent for hockey. When he discovers figure skating, he is immediately entranced! I love how he sticks with his desire to try this sport despite his family fighting him on it!

[Klancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a boy who loves hockey and how his whole family does too! But, poor Henry is not a natural, and actually struggles as a player! It looks deeper at what defines a person and their family's love of something. It looks beyond the normal and what a child can love instead! From hockey to figure skating!

[Teri S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry's family is 'hockey mad!' Henry did not take to holding the stick like the rest of his family. He went after what really interested him. Which I find so amazing at such an early age. Its also awesome that his grandma supported him and that encouraged him. I really liked how this story ended. Encouragement through and through!

[Sydney Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Henry Holton Takes the Ice" is a tale of courage, self-discovery, and the importance of following one's heart, regardless of societal expectations. This delightful book is not only a celebration of diversity but also a reminder that everyone should have the freedom to pursue their interests and dreams.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in Henry's family is hockey mad! Henry was a natural ice skater, but holding a hockey stick just didn't feel quite right. Will anyone listen to Henry when he asks for picks? My favorite line in the book, "ICE MAGIC!" Read by Ray Romano on Storyline Online. Ray says, "Follow your heart."

[Cheyenne Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to have on the shelf of a classroom library because it shows kids that they should do what makes them happy, not what others think you should do, or what society says you should do. This is a fun read but also has a great message.

[Echoes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book with a great message for kids, even if it is a predictable story by the standards of an adult. This wasn’t written for an adult though, and the kids in my 4th grade class seemed to really enjoy this one.

[Kaylee Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to teach students there is always a solution to the problem they are dealing with. It can also teach, that with a little brain power you can figure out how to fix/enjoy the situation you are in.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy whose family LOVES hockey decides he might want to figure skate instead... a very clear you-can-be-anything-you-want-to message included.

3.5 stars

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ray Romano's read aloud of this book is terrific. It's on Storyline Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I31vI...