Check, Please!

Check, Please!
Ngozi Ukazu
First Second, Sept. 2108 288 pages
Grades 9-Up
Graphic Novel
Check Please Book 1: # Hockey

Eric Bittle feels out of his element as he begins his freshman year of college on a hockey scholarship. A former figure skater, he was recruited for his speed and mastery of skating, but is undersized and fears being checked. Bitty, as he becomes known to the team, finds acceptance as he makes friends with the other members and undertakes private practice sessions with intense team captain, Jack. Bitty becomes the team baker, making good use of the team's house stove for making pies, and worms his way into their social group with his good cheer and supportive nature. Readers see the first two years of Bitty's college experience flash by as he relates his life through an on-line baking blog and tweets. Eventually, Bitty comes out to the team to refreshing acceptance and he is allowed to be his true self, as he improves on the ice. As time marches on, so does Bitty's feelings for Jack. By the end of sophomore year Jack is about to graduate and move onto the pros. How will Bitty say goodbye? Bitty's junior year will be depicted in the next series entry, set for an as yet unknown release date.

I never thought I would enjoy a hockey book, but debut graphic novelist, Ukazu, has almost made me a fan of the sport. I'm certainly a fan of this lovable group of guys and the sweet and charming narrator, Bitty. Check, Please began as a web-comic and already has a fan base--and for good reason. The non-stop action, gentle humor, and friendly cast of characters make for an entertaining and comforting read. This team knows how to support each other. They work hard, play hard, and accept each other’s foibles and differences. The book appears to be for a younger audience, but because of the language and drinking (it IS set on a college campus) I would recommend it for older teens. The language is strong, but right on point for the way young people talk and the slang is both authentic and amusing. The confusion of navigating matters of the heart and finding your place is sensitively portrayed with enough hockey action to entertain fans of the sport. The hockey subject matter and cover will attract hockey enthusiasts and possibly guide them to be more sensitive to the differences of others. I loved hanging out with this team of guys and can't wait for the next installment, especially since readers are left with a bit of a romantic cliff-hanger.