The Kodiaks Home Ice Advantage By David A. Robertson Series: The Breakout Chronicles Imprint: HighWater Press Categories: Children's Fiction, Indigenous, Hockey, Prejudice & Racism, New Experience Big Ideas: Aspects of Indigenous Cultures, Worldviews, Teachings, and Protocols, Contemporary Setting, Diverse and Inclusive Representation, Identity, Social Emotional Learning, Character Education, Courage, Friendship, Self-Esteem and Self-Reliance, Social Justice, Discrimination, Impacts of Colonization and Colonialism, Prejudice and Racism, Residential Schools Interest Age: 9–12 Grade: 4–6 Reading Level: Fountas & Pinnell U Show edition details Paperback : 9781774921012, 200 pages, April 2024 Ebook (EPUB) : 9781774921029, 200 pages, May 2024 Ebook (PDF) : 9781774921036, 200 pages, May 2024 Paperback $12.95 Ebook (EPUB) - Unavailable Ebook (PDF) - Unavailable Read excerpt The Kodiaks Book Trailer Share: Related Media Eleven-year-old Alex is a natural on the ice, but can he stand proud when he’s judged for who he is and where he comes from? Description 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? Reviews A fun read filled with a ton of action…and the sort of real-life conflicts that make you think. David expertly weaves entertainment and humour with life lessons—and suggestions for making the world a better place. Kevin Sylvester, Author/Illustrator of The Hockey Super-Six Alex challenges the adversity that many Indigenous youth endure playing hockey. His determination to build relationships and show that we are all the same, even though we come from different cultures, is an inspiration. This is a great story! Jon Mirasty, former NHL hockey player, actor in Shoresy David A. Robertson's latest novel, The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage, addresses racism in minor hockey through the story of an indigenous hockey player named Alex. The book emphasizes education, community support, and redefining masculinity to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity in sports. Through Alex's journey, readers see the value of empathy, kindness, and understanding as essential qualities for athletes. BNN Breaking The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage is a thrilling novel for all ages. It addresses the important issue of discrimination, which affects even our youngest players, and shows how teamwork on and off the ice can work to fight it. David Ciss, producer of @FAN590, The Jeff Marek Show I liked the fast pace of the novel and the messages about teamwork, bullying, prejudice, racism, and overcoming challenges and adversity. I think many young and teenage readers would enjoy this book, the messages, and the subject matter of hockey! Anishinabek News Among CBC Books's 32 Canadian Books for Children to Check Out in Spring 2024 CBC Books