The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage

The Breakout Chronicles #1

by David Alexander Robertson

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?
 

Genres: Canada, Middle Grade, Indigenous, Realistic Fiction, Sports, Fiction, Hockey

190 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2024

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Kaite]

A great middle-grade book for hockey lovers which will especially hit home for Manitoban youth. As a former hockey player, I can relate to many of the emotions and enjoyed the action. It was a fast-paced read with many lessons on what it is like to be Indigenous in Winnipeg. The characters were not super developed, but they were fine for a 190-page book. I enjoyed the inclusion of 'garbage mitts' and locations like the Allard arena and the Red River Ex. They also discuss local stereotypes such as Transcona being full of trains and cats (cats?), and Tuxedo/River Heights being the rich kid area. These might be upsetting to acknowledge, but it rang true as to what Alex's experience in Winnipeg would be.

I really appreciate getting an authentic own-voice story of hockey in Winnipeg and would have appreciated it even more when I was an eleven-year-old like Alex.

Side note: the nicknames will probably confuse some of the kids, mostly because they switch in and out from using given name and nickname.

Quote from p.96 
"'It means that even though we're different from each other, even though Indigenous people are different from settlers or Black people or whoever...'He sighed. 'We're all humans first. We can all struggle. We can all treat each other badly. But we can also try to be better, and to do better for ourselves.'"

[Stacey Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Highwater Press for sending me a copy prior to the release. I read this one pretty quickly and I know a few 12 and 13 years old who I think will be interested in it. I think they will be drawn to the hockey, the friendship, and the conflict. I love Alex's family, they are loving, supportive and hardworking. I loved how they supported his hockey, his friendships and helped him navigate the difficulties of moving from Norway house, becoming part of a new team, and dealing with the racism he experiences in ways that make him a stronger, kinder human. I also didn't miss the shout out to MFNERC. Your support for education and literacy does not go unnoticed or unappreciated!

[Noreen Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best for hockey fans ages 9-12 or kids who like stories that involve racism. By the great David A. Robertson, this novel follows 11-year old Alex, an indigenous boy who has moved to Winnipeg from his reserve in northern Manitoba. A talented hockey player, he tries out for a new team and makes it. His season is marked by highs and lows, of which the worst are racist comments that he must learn to deal with. A good choice for independent reading or book clubs.

[Michael]

My interview with Robertson discussing the book here:
https://umfm.com/programming/broadcas...

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

David A Robertson, what can’t you write? An engaging and heartbreaking tale of a kid who moves to the city from his beloved community of Norway House Cree Nation and faces multiple instances of racism and hate all while trying to pursue his love of hockey. Well done, expertly written. Highly recommend to my middle graders.

[Kay S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me preface this with I do not do the sport. I'm not athletic in anyway possible. All the jock genes went to my brother and I got the brains of the operation (and the anxiety to go with them). My local sport-informed library friend, when asked to explain like... half this book, simply laughed at me.

All that being said, Davidson write another intensely readable book that I zipped through. His action scenes are zippy and ecstatic in their victories, and heartbreaking in defeat. The montages of training and school and games are capable of capturing the most uninterested reader and dragging them into cheering for a fictional group of eleven-year-olds. This man's writing is exquisite.

But oh my god does this book feel preachy. I understand the message this book is trying to get across - that people are going to treat you differently, sometimes horribly, for the colour of your skin, hair, the way that you look, weight, where you come from, etc. And if you look/act/are different than the societal "norm", your actions will reflect on the your group as a whole and add to existing stereotypes. And because of this you have to be better.

I, as a white Settler, never had to have that talk. I can only imagine any PoC having been given the same warnings for much of their life is going to appreciate receiving the same talk several times over the course of a less than 200 page novel. The truth of the matter is, the adults in Alex's life should have been better. If they see or hear a CHILD being the subject of racist chants or accusations, they should be the ones who step up. It should not be the child who has to stand up to grown-adults in professional settings (sports, school, work, etc.) and defend their race/religion/body/etc.

I applaud Alex for taking the courage to stand-up to and educate his coach. That scene alone in amenable to suit the text and lesson about racism in sports. But the fact that adults continue to tell Alex to calmly and rationally stand up to racists enraged me to no end.

Also oh my god so much hockey. And the weird romantic sub-plot. WHY?!

[Lori Emilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids ages 10-13 will love this fast-paced high action hockey story of an Indigenous kid who moves from his First Nation community to Winnipeg. Hockey is front and centre, but so is racism and friendship issues. Lots to discuss. Can’t wait for the next book in this new series!

[middle_schoolers_read Lindsay P · Rating 5 out of 5]

11 year old Alex has just moved from his home in Norway House Cree Nation to the city. Moving to the city means he needs to make new friends, go to a new school, and try out for a new hockey team. Alex is a really good hockey player and he loves playing on a team, but when teammates and opponents make racist comments towards him he struggles to feel like he belongs. With the help of his parents, his best friend George, and his new friends Wuerf and Jenny, Alex tries to find his voice and lead by example.

Alex’s story was action packed with hockey play-by-plays, but also dug into the racism and stereotypes Indigenous Peoples have to face. Alex should never have had to endure those comments from his teammates and opponents, but his parents were with him the entire time helping him navigate the hurt, pain and anger they brought up for him.

This story was emotional, but it was also inspiring to see this young boy teach others with kindness.

Who will like it?

✅ Fans of hockey or sports themed books
✅ Fans of stories about finding your voice and overcoming obstacles
✅ Fans of stories about identity

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, fast-paced hockey story. Great supportive family moments, great growth and team moments, great friendships. Alex's ability to take criticism and advice is pretty stellar, and I love the way that Robertson writes about the damage that racist speech can do, even when it's unintentional. I am going to have a hard time recommending this to kids, though, because of the formatting -- it's got a wonderful cover, and then tiny type with single spacing -- it's going to be a hard sell unless the student is already a confident reader.

[Wina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up, just because hockey doesn't interest me. This contemporary fiction for ages 9-12 takes place mostly in Winnipeg, also the Norway House Cree nation. I'll just paste this here from the 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.

Great to have the indigenous perspective, and a character who isn't used to being around white people as a main point in this book.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Alexander Robinson has written a fantastic novel for young hockey fans! The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage is a fast-paced, middle grade novel that in addition to celebrating hockey, addresses micro-aggressions, racism, and being a good person. - It is "hockey heavy" but manageable for those not that into hockey and highly engaging for those that are!

The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage is a 2026 MYRCA Sundogs nominee.

[JBReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-read for my kids. Such a great way to weave a story about Indigenous issues and racism into an interesting hockey themed book. Recommended it for my kids, want to give it to my hockey loving nephew.

[Read by Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A boy moves from his reservation in northern Manitoba to Winnipeg, where he experiences many microaggressions and intolerance in the hockey community. Good read for kids.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025 Silver Birch Fiction Nominee

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another buddy read with the 8yo. He loved it, really responded to the discussion of ignorance and racism, and taught me what the hockey lingo meant.

[Jaelynne Wormenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will definitely encourage my fellow colleagues to read this to their classrooms.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had a kid who loved hockey, I would for sure purchase this book and add it to my classroom library and Indigenous Voices unit. I'm unsure if non-hockey-lovers would like it as much.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action-packed middle-grade novel is a must-read for hockey fans, blending themes of teamwork, resilience, and cultural pride. Alex Robinson is 11 years old and is struggling to fit in after moving to a new city because of his dad's job, where his Indigenous heritage sets him apart. As he excels on the local hockey team, Alex faces prejudice but learns the importance of standing up for himself and his culture. The story is both an inspiring sports narrative and a heartfelt exploration of identity, making it a powerful read for young readers. I really enjoyed the writing and I felt the pacing of the story was good. A great middle grade chapter book.

Thank you Highwater Press for the gifted copy.