On the Line

Dr. Kari-Lynn Winters is an award-winning Canadian children's author, poet, playwright, performer, and academic scholar. Since 2007, she has authored over 33 books. Kari-Lynn has received the British Columbia Book Prize silver medal twice and has garnered multiple nominations for awards such as the Forest of Reading (e.g., French Toast) and the Chocolate Lily Awards (e.g., Good Pirate). Notably, her book, Bad Pirate won the prestigious Rainforest of Reading Award. Currently holding a Full Professor position in Brock University ‘s Faculty of Education, Dr. Winters teaches literacy and the arts to teacher candidates. Her love of teaching is evident and enjoys being in the classroom. She lives in St. Catharines, ON.  For more information about Kari-Lynn, please see her website: www.kariwinters.com.Scot Ritchie is an award-winning illustrator and author with more than 60 books to his credit. His books have been translated into French, Korean, Indonesian, Polish, Finnish, Arabic and Dutch. Scot has worked with the National Film Board of Canada and has had his illustrations exhibited at the National Gallery of Canada. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Praise for On the Line2021 Junior Library Guild Selection2021 Northern Lights Book Awards Winner – Sports Category2022 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Selection“...illustrations portray a diverse cast of characters, from the team to the audience in the stands. [A]n encouraging story for young readers who struggle with shyness and anxiety. Believe in yourself, trust your talents, and find resilience in stories.”—Kirkus Reviews“A great read aloud for the introduction of being part of a team, reinforcing perseverance, believing in oneself, and valuing everyone’s talents.”—Youth Services Book Review“This is a great book for any young reader who struggles with confidence. The bright colors and friendly cartoon characters are inviting to the eye and keep readers’ attention. This book would be a great addition to a teacher’s winter book collection or to a home library for a hockey-loving family.”—Children’s Literature“The illustrations which are in pencil and ink and finished digitally pop on stark white backgrounds.…On the Line shows that there is more to sport than athletics.”—CM Magazine“The illustrations add important elements to the story, showing diversity in the community and on the team, and the level of ingenuity the kids and their parents had used to come up with workarounds on equipment.”—Canadian Bookworm“This a great picture book to show kids that there are more important things than scoring goals – like trying hard, being a great team player and never giving up.”—Book Time“I love that we are seeing stories about kindness and leadership off the ice as well as on the ice… a beautiful community throughout the story that readers will love.”—Storytime with Stephanie“A good story not just for hockey fans but to discuss each person’s different strengths and skills.”—The International Educator“[T]he details in the illustrations will delight young hockey fans…Being a good sport and being a good team member are great lessons for young readers to learn…”—YA Books Central“Love that being the best at a sport isn't what makes you part of the team! Supporting your team and continuing to preserver and show up is what makes you a valuable member of any team.”—Katie Akerman, Goodreads“You know hockey books are sure to find fans. Add this to your 'sports' bucket!”—Sal's Fiction Addiction