MAVERICK AND THE BIG GAME
Maverick has played in many hockey games, but today is different—it’s the championship game! As he laces up his skates, Maverick feels excited, but also a little nervous. What if he misses a shot? What if he lets his team down?
Follow Maverick as he faces one of his biggest challenges yet and learns that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means playing your best, no matter what!
Will Maverick help his team win the championship?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gina Usufzy is a passionate storyteller and youth hockey advocate dedicated to inspiring young readers through engaging and meaningful stories. As the creator of The Adventures of Maverick the Hockey Player series, Gina combines her love for hockey with her commitment to fostering resilience, teamwork, and perseverance in children. With years of experience running youth hockey programs, Gina has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports in shaping character and life skills. Her books, including Maverick and the Big Game, aim to entertain while imparting valuable lessons about dedication, sportsmanship, and believing in oneself. Gina’s work has resonated with young athletes, parents, and educators alike, making her a strong advocate for literacy and youth development. When she’s not writing, she’s actively involved in the hockey community, helping young players reach their full potential on and off the ice.
Learn more about Gina Usufzy and connect with her at www.maverickshockeyadventures.com. And learn more about the Hockey for Kids Scholarship Program here: www.hockeyforkids.org.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
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The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Maverick The book series is based on true stories from the author's son, Maverick, who has played hockey since he was four. His personality, experiences, and challenges form the heart of each story.
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Themes of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and Life Lessons The books emphasize values like empathy, resilience, and leadership, showing young readers how lessons learned in sports can apply to life beyond the rink.
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Hockey as a Lifestyle and Community Mission Hockey plays a central role in the family's life. The author also runs a youth hockey foundation that helps kids access the sport, with book proceeds supporting this cause.
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Writing for Relatability and Emotional Connection The stories are crafted to be engaging and emotionally resonant, with interactive elements that invite kids to reflect on their own experiences.
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Expanding the Maverick Brand The current series includes picture books and new chapter books for older readers, with future plans for an animated series and more stories—including one inspired by her daughter.
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