Book Reviews and More: The Stars From Mars - Gordon Korman

The Stars from Mars

Slapshots Book 1

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780590706193

ISBN 0590706195

The Stars From Mars - Gordon Korman - Slapshots Book 1 Original Cover

This was the 69th book I have read from the masterful pen of Gordon Korman. I did not read much when young because of a dual form of dyslexia, because of that I have a great fondness for Middle Grade books, and books for tween and teens. Korman is one of the masters. I set the goal of reading all his books about 2020.And with the reading of this I have read books in all his series, and all of the standalone stories. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. But I really did not get into them until my son’s teacher gave everyone a book with a note in it at the ends of the school year. Since then my son and I have read many of his books together.

Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. And one coming out in a few weeks and one planned for release early next year. As of the reading of this volume I am down to 42 unread books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged.

This book and series was released in 1999, they were rebranded and French editions were released in 2206/07. The description of this volume states:

“The newest players in the Waterloo Junior Hockey League are the Martians -- the kids from a nearby town called Mars. With a wacky coach named "Boom Boom" Bolitsky, the stars from Mars have their work cut out for them.”

The description on the back of the edition I read states:

“School sportswriter "Chipmunk" Adelman knows he's got a scoop when he finds out that his hometown will play in the Waterloo Slapshot league. The Marsers have never had their own team, but with an ex-NHL player for a coach, they're headed for stardom.

But the Stars are in for a big surprise when they hit the ice and suddenly realize they stink! They've got a defenseman who only skates backwards, a star player who wants to be on another team, and a coach who calls everything a whatchamacallit. If they don't get their game in gear soon, they'll be booted from the league.

This new series by veteran writer Gordon Korman will have kids cheering for the Marsers as they scramble to improve their game and stay in the league!”

The about the author in this edition states:

“When asked about his inspiration for The Stars from Mars, Gordon Korman says, "I started playing hockey when I was seven years old. I loved it, but I always ended up on teams with humiliating sponsors, like Stay Fresh Cleaning Service and Fish Buoy Restaurant. I remember one year we had a lot of bigger players, so we figured we could be the 'tough guys' of the league. Then we got our jerseys — Pretty Polly Paint and Wallpaper Inc."

Gordon Korman has written more than twenty books for middle-grade and young adult readers, among them Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire-, The Chicken Doesn't Skate-, Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road?) The Toilet Paper Tigers; and seven books in the popular Bruno and Boots series, all published by Scholastic. He lives with his wife in New York City and Toronto, Canada.”

It has been interesting starting the older sports themed series by Korman. They are fun reads, and I am surprised they are out of print, and that there have never been eBook editions released.

This is a fun story about kid’s hockey, and specifically a small community just outside town that gets their own team. About the conflict that creates and the trials the players and coach face. The story is written as if narrated by a fellow classmate that wants to be a sports reporter. I enjoyed the coach being a former NHL goon and loved the appearance of Bobby Orr.

It’s a great pity this one is out of print! I really enjoyed this volume and look forward to reading the rest of the series. A great beginning to what should be a really fun series.