Moving from the reserve where he’s grown up to Winnipeg for his dad’s new job, Alex (Cree) starts grade 6 without his best friend George or his old hockey team, the North Stars. A skilled player, Alex is doing great at tryouts for a new team in Winnipeg; then another kid, Terrence, calls him “Chief” while aggressively checking him. Alex makes the team, but so does Terrence. Luckily, so does Aidan, whom he also met at tryouts and becomes a fast friend. At school, Alex gradually gets to know Jenny (like Aidan and Terrence, white), another friend he learns he can trust. On the ice, despite their rough start, Alex and Terrence come to respect each other, a shift that starts with Alex choosing to not respond to pettiness with more pettiness. Still, Alex faces racist attitudes from some kids, and once even parents, on other teams. He also hates how he feels when his genuinely nice but oblivious coach occasionally uses terms like “powwow” and “low man on the totem pole.” Alex’s parents are validating and supportive, providing guidance while leaving choices up to Alex in a story that sees Alex finding his footing off the ice in addition to showcasing his skill on it. The hockey action is riveting, while Alex’s feelings are genuine and illuminating in a story that builds to a championship game in this first book in a series. (Ages 9-12)

Hockey fans will love this action-packed middle grade novel about teamwork, overcoming adversity, and being proud of who you are and where you come from.

Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex Robinson. After his father accepts a new job, Alex and his family move from their community to the city. For the first time in his life, he doesn't fit in. His fellow students don't understand Indigenous culture. Even a simple show of respect to his teacher gets him in trouble.

Things begin to look up after Alex tries out for a local hockey team. Playing for the Kodiaks, Alex proves himself as one of the best, but he becomes a target because he's Indigenous. Can Alex trust his teammates and stand up to the jerks on other teams? Can he find a way to fit in and still be who he's meant to be?