Review by Kaitlyn Chan
Orca Book Publisher, February 2024
104 Pages, Hardcover, $24.95 CAD, 9781459835030
Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Biography
APIDA
Larry’s hand-me-down skates were several sizes too big, and his stick was held together by tape, but he couldn’t stop smiling.
“Right away, when I put skates on, I said ‘Gee, I want to be a hockey player,’” Larry said.
There were no Chinese Canadians in professional sports, but that didn’t stop seven-year-old Larry from shooting for the stars.
For many Canadians, hockey is more than a sport. It’s the game they grow up playing, watch with their family and friends, and love for its power to unite. However, The Longest Shot demonstrates how hockey—and the country—has a long history of division. Authors Chad Soon and George Chiang thoughtfully share the experiences and struggles of the first player of Asian descent in the NHL, Larry Kwong. This book allows readers to learn about the history of discrimination in Canada and the resilience with which Larry persevered.
The Longest Shot is a chronological list of important events in Larry’s life. Occasionally, Soon and Chiang include relevant facts that give a broader perspective or add more historical context. For example, during the segment about Larry’s father titled “Kwong Hing Lung,” there is a bright red box, which briefly explains the Chinese Head Tax. This information becomes important in the next section, “Two Mothers,” when Larry’s father pays the head tax for his second wife to come to Canada. These fact boxes allow the reader to understand the family’s circumstances. Tasks that seem achievable now, such as finding an entry-level job, were more difficult for Chinese Canadians because of the restrictions and racism they faced daily. This book highlights how Larry had to work twice as hard to be offered opportunities inequivalent to his white peers. For example, when Larry was finally pulled up to play in the NHL with the New York Rangers, he was only on the ice for a 60-second shift before being sent back down. The reader feels frustration alongside Larry as his big moment lasts less than a page in the book.
The Longest Shot uses tools to make its occasionally heavy information easily digestible. Soon and Chiang wisely split Larry’s life story into eight shorter sections, giving the chapters titles based on their contents. I found this format helpful for divvying up reading time and seeing what might come next in Larry’s life. The two authors also collaborated with illustrator Amy Qi to bring life to Larry’s story. Qi’s vibrant images draw the eye to key moments in Larry’s life, reaffirming them in the reader’s mind. Complete with a timeline of events and a glossary for unfamiliar words, The Longest Shot provides a guide for readers to refer to if they get confused. The authors and illustrator make learning easy and interesting, ensuring Larry Kwong’s story is accessible for audiences of all ages.
For many Canadians, Larry Kwong is more than a hockey player. He is representative of a long history of people who had to overcome racial inequality in Canada and the US. As someone with Chinese ancestry, I am grateful to Chad Soon, George Chiang, and Amy Qi for their efforts to bring attention to Larry Kwong’s story, one I was unfamiliar with beforehand. The Longest Shot details the journey toward a more inclusive sport and country, a goal we must continue to shoot for today.
Kaitlyn Chan is a current student at UBC, studying English Literature and Creative Writing. Fulfilling the typical stereotypes of English majors, Kaitlyn enjoys reading, writing, and tea. She spends her free time training for triathlons, singing songs in her bedroom, and trying not to buy more books.
YOUNG ADULTING 