Nothing I love more than giving people props through my various communications mediums for a “job well done.” This shout out goes to author Kris Yankee, a southeast Michigan writer and very active hockey Mom who has written a new book for kids called “Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors” from Nelson Publishing. It’s her second book and she draws from her hockey Mom background to share a story that actually leaves the ice – about a sixth grader who suddenly finds himself off the “cool kid” list and having to find an identity outside of hockey. Yes, life is tougher to navigate for most youth hockey kids when they’re OFF the ice and Kris does a great job sharing this dilemma.

One of the issues I have with the current state of youth hockey is that there is so much emphasis on what goes on at practice and in the games. What should be of greater concern is what is happening to these kids in the classroom, with their friends and in the neighborhood. Kris broaches this topic adeptly in her new juvenile fiction book. I think your kids will love it and if yours are like mine, any story that draws its sourcing from a sport goes right to the top of the list of reading preferences – even if there’s a really strong moral element! Great job, Kris.  Now click on the link and go buy one!