My Year with the ESL Boys

About the Book

More than anything in the world, Weifei wanted to play on the Glashan Spikers’ boys’ volleyball team. They were one of Ontario’s best grade eight teams and were defending provincial champions. However, he was in the “gifted” class and not only was he afraid that his athletic talent might not be strong enough, he also was anxious about fitting in with the other players, a multicultural crop that contained many forceful personalities. Weifei ends up making the elite volleyball squad and under Mr. D.’s stern leadership, the boys soon develop into a top-flight team, capable of repeating as provincial champs. Weifei befriends two strong-willed young athletes, Hilal and Mohammed and begins to see the world from their “immigrant” eyes. Together, they join together in many adventures as they battle their way to the summit of the grade eight volleyball mountain. More importantly, Weifei lives through the daily triumphs and struggles of his new friends as they push for full membership in our Canadian society.

About the Author

Rick Desclouds has been working at his dream job, teaching and coaching at Glashan School (Ottawa) for 36 years. This is his third novel following in the footsteps of his successful pair of “Danny Thach” novels, “Jackie, Luther and I” and “My Brothers.” He has also written a trilogy of award-winning Black History plays. In 2004, he was the honoured recipient of the Capital Educators Award. He has won numerous other community awards including the John Simcoe Legacy award and the Every Child is Sacred Ceremonial Plate. In 2000, he was named one of the top sports figures of the 20th Century in the Ottawa area.