Graziadei, A.L. Icebreaker. Godwin, 01/2022. 320pp. Fiction. GRADES 10 – 12. $18.99. 978-1-250-77711-9. OUTSTANDING.
This gritty novel offers an emotional portrait of gut-wrenching challenges faced by a talented young hockey player. Grappling with serious depression and imposter syndrome, Mickey James III hides his bisexual identity from everyone, including his family and his college teammates. Mickey is also terrified he may have a crush on Jaysen, his number one enemy/rival for first pick in the NCAA draft. The artfully constructed and suspenseful story arc follows both young men and their teammates as they navigate difficult mental health struggles; parental expectations and societal pressures; as well as teamwork, friendship, and love. Graziadei deftly articulates the authentic clash over racial and economic privilege that will resonate strongly with contemporary teens. Real life issues for college-aged teens such as heavy drinking and hooking up on campus also add to the drama and relatability of the plot. As the boys’ hard-fought hockey season draws to a close and the draft looms nearer, life choices and self-advocacy take center ice and a cliffhanger ending does not disappoint.
Jennifer Agarwal—San Jose State University MLIS Student