Book Reviews and More: All-Mars All-Stars - Gordon Korman

All-Mars All-Stars

aka The Dream Team

Slapshots Book 2

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780439938709

ISBN 0439938708

All-Mars All-Stars - Gordon Korman - Slapshots Book 2

I have now read over 70 volumes 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. 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 2006/07. The description of this volume states:

“The school hockey team from a town called Mars is on its way to the ultimate field trip - a real NHL game and an All-Star tournament. When a competing team gets food poisoning, the Stars from Mars get their shot at the championship.”

Another edition states:

“Korman and hockey - two of Canada's favourites make for one hilarious comedy series!

Men are from Mars, women are from Venus. . . which is the only reason the Marsers can see why all-star captain Alexia Colwin didn't make the team. School sportswriter Chipmunk Adelman has a hunch discrimination is in the air. Before his investigation gets very far, the entire all-star team comes down with food poisoning - and the Marsers have to fill in!

The hockey team that plays like they're from another planet returns in Gordon Korman's hilarious second Slapshots title, The Dream Team.”

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

“The only Stars player to make the All-Star Waterloo Slapshots League Team is Trent Ruben – and he’s not even from their hometown Mars. From the moment the all-star list gets posted. “Chipmunk” Adelman’s school reporter sense starts to tingle. Is this another case of alienation for the AMrsers? After all, Alexia Colwin – one of the toughest and most skilled checkers in the leaue – was completely overlooked. Is it because she’s from Mars? Or a girl? Or maybe both?

Chipmunk wields the “power of the press” by circulating mysterious flyers in a hilarious attempt to reveal the conspiracy. But when Stars coach “Boom Boom” Bolitsky takes them on the ultimate field trip – to see an NHL games and root for Trent in the tournament final – they get to prove their hockey is out of this world!”

It should be noted this volume was published under the title “The Dream Team”, and “All-Mars All-Stars” There were editions with both titles in 1999 and in 2006 only “The Dream Team”. This is another great read in a really fin series. It was interesting to observe Chipmunk’s interactions with his father who was in town. And how hard he tried to cover up his mishap while printing 10 flyers. It was also great to see the team come together against great odds. It reads a lot like a small town Canadian version of The Mighty Ducks.

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 really fun story about kid’s hockey, and specifically a small community just outside town that gets their own team. But even after beating the previous year’s champions and hitting 500 Hockey they are still outsiders looking in. The story is written as if narrated by a fellow classmate that wants to be a sports reporter.

It is really a pity this book and series are out of print! I really enjoyed this volume and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Another really great read in a fun series.