What do you think?
Fight Song
A talented yet cynical Indigenous teen hockey player escapes a dangerous situation in the foster care system in this powerful and timely YA novel.
It's not easy to miss Nokes Lasley, especially when she's on the ice. Towering over the competition at over six feet tall, she routinely dominates on the right wing—and her no-nonsense approach and fiery temper have helped to solidify her reputation as a hockey superstar. Despite her tenuous situation at home, she dreams of hitting the Olympics one day and proving that she can compete in the big leagues.
But suddenly, Nokes's life is turned upside-down when her father is arrested for murder and she's forced to enter the foster care system. Nokes bounces from home to home, from one dangerous setting to the next . . . until she decides to escape across the border to Minnesota, where the promise of a family friend with professional hockey connections far outweighs the abuse she's experiencing in her home province of Ontario.
Through careful lies, and with the help of Aiden, an attractive new friend, Nokes is able to start a new life in a new country—and, most importantly, keep playing hockey. But the past has a nasty way of catching up to her, and soon Nokes has to make a terrible keep running or face her past head-on . . . and maybe even come to terms with her Indigenous heritage.
It's not easy to miss Nokes Lasley, especially when she's on the ice. Towering over the competition at over six feet tall, she routinely dominates on the right wing—and her no-nonsense approach and fiery temper have helped to solidify her reputation as a hockey superstar. Despite her tenuous situation at home, she dreams of hitting the Olympics one day and proving that she can compete in the big leagues.
But suddenly, Nokes's life is turned upside-down when her father is arrested for murder and she's forced to enter the foster care system. Nokes bounces from home to home, from one dangerous setting to the next . . . until she decides to escape across the border to Minnesota, where the promise of a family friend with professional hockey connections far outweighs the abuse she's experiencing in her home province of Ontario.
Through careful lies, and with the help of Aiden, an attractive new friend, Nokes is able to start a new life in a new country—and, most importantly, keep playing hockey. But the past has a nasty way of catching up to her, and soon Nokes has to make a terrible keep running or face her past head-on . . . and maybe even come to terms with her Indigenous heritage.
Audible Audio
Published September 15, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 25, 2026
A truly captivating and heartbreaking story of an Indigenous teen girl who just wants to play hockey but has been dealt a horrible hand in life. Yet somehow, she perseveres despite the systems against her. I loved the dual timeline. Absolutely in love with Aiden. Would fully recommend this story but be aware of content surrounding sexual assault, grooming, and negative experiences with the foster system. Cannot stop thinking about this one after finishing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Nokes” (given name Nópika) Lasley stands out in a crowd. She’s a 6’2” 16-year-old hockey player, a mix of Native American/First Nations on her mom’s side and French-Canadian on her dad’s. Since her mom’s death from cancer when Nokes was 5, she’s lived with her father in Canada, although his recent job loss, subsequent descent into alcoholism, and a manslaughter charge after a bar fight have left her marooned in the child welfare system. As the story opens, Nokes is on the run, fleeing from the worst placement, although readers aren’t privy to the details. From this point on, the story follows two tracks, both told in the first person: one details Nokes’s heart-breaking journey through foster care while the other (set in the present) follows her to Minneapolis, where she hopes to find refuge with her dad’s childhood buddy, now a college hockey coach. But when she arrives, she learns that Luke has died, leaving behind his wife – who coaches the local high school’s girls hockey team – and his 17-year-old son Aidan. Aidan takes a shine to Nokes and agrees to both hide her in his basement and surreptitiously enroll her in Sunrise High so she can join the team. It’s a rough start for Nokes, but her skill and grit earn her the admiration of her teammates (mostly white, but including the hijab-wearing Farrin). Meanwhile, Canadian authorities are trying desperately to compel Nokes to testify against her last set of foster parents (SPOILER ALERT: child sex traffickers). And, her mom’s sister Connie is seeking custodianship and wants Nokes to come live with her on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington state in order to reconnect with her First Nations’ heritage.
Although Van Brunt’s plot can occasionally feel bloated, the main character’s strong sense of self and dedication to hockey ultimately redeem this novel. As we learn more about her past, it’s easy to understand where Nokes’s passion for her sport and fighting spirit come from; so much in her life is out of control but on the ice, she’s dominant. And although she ignores it, Nokes’s physical beauty (which has made her a target for unwanted attention) can be conjured away by the bulky hockey pads and her intense bravado. The growing camaraderie of the Sunrise team as the girls band together to protect Nokes and one another, along with the thrilling depictions of on-the-ice action, were the best parts of this book. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Although Van Brunt’s plot can occasionally feel bloated, the main character’s strong sense of self and dedication to hockey ultimately redeem this novel. As we learn more about her past, it’s easy to understand where Nokes’s passion for her sport and fighting spirit come from; so much in her life is out of control but on the ice, she’s dominant. And although she ignores it, Nokes’s physical beauty (which has made her a target for unwanted attention) can be conjured away by the bulky hockey pads and her intense bravado. The growing camaraderie of the Sunrise team as the girls band together to protect Nokes and one another, along with the thrilling depictions of on-the-ice action, were the best parts of this book. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
September 16, 2026
Fight Song is a wonderful story of resilience, taking your dreams seriously, and the struggles of being raised white as a mixed-race child.
I liked the way we go back and forth between before Nokes ran away, and after, slowly working towards where each timeline meets. I feel like if we had seen everything happen in order it wouldn't have had the same effect. The story would have been the same but presenting it in this way made it way more interesting.
This book showed us an interesting example of what can happen when the white parent of a mixed-race child can negatively affect their child's view of their cultural background by denying it so harshly. It was to the point where the dad came off as racist towards his own wife and daughter but had Nokes accepting it because it was how he raised her since she was 5.
Nokes seemed to have strong sense of self, besides the obvious rejection of her indigenous culture. Unfortunately, the rejection of her culture is the main reason why she had to go through so much trauma after her father went to prison, while some of her other neglect eventually lead to her last foster parents taking advantage of her so easily, because she was so naive.
Nokes was frustrating at times because of these things, but I had to keep reminding myself of the way she had been raised and neglected.
I loved the friendship between Nokes and Aiden, and kind of how everything went down with his mom before she knew that Nokes was hiding in her house, and why, it was just satisfying to me for some reason.
I did have a few gripes with the story, but they're not necessarily important. I wish we had learned more about Luke after Marlee learned the truth about everything. I also struggled with how unrealistic the situation was with instantly registering Nokes for school. it was also kind of odd how Nora kept everyone from finding Nokes so easily, not to mention how long she was able to stick around in Minnesota without any type of issue, or it having affected the situation in Canada.
I still truly enjoyed this book; and it was one of the better, more meaningful YA books I've read in a while.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Tundra/Swift Water books for this eARC.
I liked the way we go back and forth between before Nokes ran away, and after, slowly working towards where each timeline meets. I feel like if we had seen everything happen in order it wouldn't have had the same effect. The story would have been the same but presenting it in this way made it way more interesting.
This book showed us an interesting example of what can happen when the white parent of a mixed-race child can negatively affect their child's view of their cultural background by denying it so harshly. It was to the point where the dad came off as racist towards his own wife and daughter but had Nokes accepting it because it was how he raised her since she was 5.
Nokes seemed to have strong sense of self, besides the obvious rejection of her indigenous culture. Unfortunately, the rejection of her culture is the main reason why she had to go through so much trauma after her father went to prison, while some of her other neglect eventually lead to her last foster parents taking advantage of her so easily, because she was so naive.
Nokes was frustrating at times because of these things, but I had to keep reminding myself of the way she had been raised and neglected.
I loved the friendship between Nokes and Aiden, and kind of how everything went down with his mom before she knew that Nokes was hiding in her house, and why, it was just satisfying to me for some reason.
I did have a few gripes with the story, but they're not necessarily important. I wish we had learned more about Luke after Marlee learned the truth about everything. I also struggled with how unrealistic the situation was with instantly registering Nokes for school. it was also kind of odd how Nora kept everyone from finding Nokes so easily, not to mention how long she was able to stick around in Minnesota without any type of issue, or it having affected the situation in Canada.
I still truly enjoyed this book; and it was one of the better, more meaningful YA books I've read in a while.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Tundra/Swift Water books for this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fight Song by Kirk Van Brunt was one of those books that had me feeling ALL the emotions.
Nokes Lasley is a force on the hockey rink, six feet of talent, attitude and pure determination but life off the ice is a completely different story. After her father is arrested for murder, Nokes is thrown into the foster care system, and unfortunately, safety is not exactly what she finds there.
Watching her bounce from one dangerous situation to another was honestly heartbreaking. She’s tough, sarcastic and fiercely independent, but underneath all that attitude is a teenager who desperately wants somewhere to belong and a chance to chase her dreams.
And then there’s hockey. Nokes lives and breathes the game, and her dream of making it to the Olympics gives her something to hold onto when pretty much everything else is falling apart. Her decision to run to Minnesota might be risky, but when the alternative is continuing to suffer, you can completely understand why she takes the chance.
I really enjoyed the mix of hockey, survival, friendship, found family and Nokes’ journey towards confronting her past and Indigenous heritage. There were definitely moments where I wanted to reach through the pages and give this girl a massive hug… followed immediately by “PLEASE THINK THIS THROUGH!”
Aidan was also a lovely addition to the story, bringing a little warmth and hope into Nokes’ chaotic life.
This is definitely not a light and fluffy hockey read. There are some difficult and upsetting themes throughout but it’s a powerful story!
Nokes Lasley is a force on the hockey rink, six feet of talent, attitude and pure determination but life off the ice is a completely different story. After her father is arrested for murder, Nokes is thrown into the foster care system, and unfortunately, safety is not exactly what she finds there.
Watching her bounce from one dangerous situation to another was honestly heartbreaking. She’s tough, sarcastic and fiercely independent, but underneath all that attitude is a teenager who desperately wants somewhere to belong and a chance to chase her dreams.
And then there’s hockey. Nokes lives and breathes the game, and her dream of making it to the Olympics gives her something to hold onto when pretty much everything else is falling apart. Her decision to run to Minnesota might be risky, but when the alternative is continuing to suffer, you can completely understand why she takes the chance.
I really enjoyed the mix of hockey, survival, friendship, found family and Nokes’ journey towards confronting her past and Indigenous heritage. There were definitely moments where I wanted to reach through the pages and give this girl a massive hug… followed immediately by “PLEASE THINK THIS THROUGH!”
Aidan was also a lovely addition to the story, bringing a little warmth and hope into Nokes’ chaotic life.
This is definitely not a light and fluffy hockey read. There are some difficult and upsetting themes throughout but it’s a powerful story!
October 2, 2026
This book was trying to do too much at once! I think it could’ve been a 4 star book if it had more of a focus (ideally, Nokes’s foster care experience. The hockey was boring and didn’t move the plot along enough for me). I really loved the switching timelines each chapter, telling us bits and pieces about how Nokes ended up where she was in current day, which again, is why the hockey stuff felt so irrelevant.
I also found myself looking up the author like 30% of the way through because I had to know if he had any right to be writing about an Indigenous, French-Canadian, teenage girl. LUCKILY, he is Indigenous himself, BUT is not French-Canadian nor a teenage girl (duh). Nokes’s random French cussing and teen-isms felt SOOO unrealistic that it took me out of the story. I just can’t read YA where the authors don’t know how teens act. The first big annoyance I had was when Nokes was told to wear pajamas to school and she freaked out that she was going to be the only one & get made fun of. I’m sorry, but you cannot write YA from a teenager’s perspective and NOT KNOW that 50% of high schoolers today wear pajamas to school every. single. day. Like the cool ones too. I also just find it odd when a male author only writes female characters (which the author does, under KD Van Brunt). Anyway, are these really niche bones to pick? Yes. Did they bother me enough to make me dislike the book? Also yes!
I also found myself looking up the author like 30% of the way through because I had to know if he had any right to be writing about an Indigenous, French-Canadian, teenage girl. LUCKILY, he is Indigenous himself, BUT is not French-Canadian nor a teenage girl (duh). Nokes’s random French cussing and teen-isms felt SOOO unrealistic that it took me out of the story. I just can’t read YA where the authors don’t know how teens act. The first big annoyance I had was when Nokes was told to wear pajamas to school and she freaked out that she was going to be the only one & get made fun of. I’m sorry, but you cannot write YA from a teenager’s perspective and NOT KNOW that 50% of high schoolers today wear pajamas to school every. single. day. Like the cool ones too. I also just find it odd when a male author only writes female characters (which the author does, under KD Van Brunt). Anyway, are these really niche bones to pick? Yes. Did they bother me enough to make me dislike the book? Also yes!
![Profile Image for [Ginggercakes] Ash.](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1790519943i/147105776._UY200_CR33,0,200,200_.jpg)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TW: racism, classism, abandonment, death of a parent, terminal illness, alcohol, alcoholism, child abuse, sexual assault, attempted rape, domestic abuse, gun violence, human trafficking, incarceration, murder
I loved these characters especially the MC. The romance was so special, it was a sweet display of young people who are learning to respect and fight for each other. This book covered a lot of terribly dark themes that unfortunately do affect young people but author expressed them with a seriousness that slotted into the story well. The pacing was perfect for its length and the inclusion on letters and moments from the recent past and present tied the story together very well. These characters were open and emotional and there were a lot of raw moments that broke my heart but there was also a lot of joy. Joy not only in community but in all the ways people can love and in friendships that come from unexpected places and in learning how to fight for yourself and for others. Fight Song is a strong reminder that terrible things may happen, and running away is always an option, but standing to fight could be the thing that saves you.
I received a a copy of this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House
”You can’t know what you will do, Daughter, until the moment comes for you to do it.”
I loved these characters especially the MC. The romance was so special, it was a sweet display of young people who are learning to respect and fight for each other. This book covered a lot of terribly dark themes that unfortunately do affect young people but author expressed them with a seriousness that slotted into the story well. The pacing was perfect for its length and the inclusion on letters and moments from the recent past and present tied the story together very well. These characters were open and emotional and there were a lot of raw moments that broke my heart but there was also a lot of joy. Joy not only in community but in all the ways people can love and in friendships that come from unexpected places and in learning how to fight for yourself and for others. Fight Song is a strong reminder that terrible things may happen, and running away is always an option, but standing to fight could be the thing that saves you.
I received a a copy of this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House
September 16, 2026
WOW- what a powerful story! This novel had me hooked early and didn’t let up. Nokes is a powerful narrator who is given a tough hand in life. I really appreciated the slow reveal of her past interjected with the present day, and the hockey was knowledgeable for those who love the sport without alienating those who are not regular watchers. I also love the representation in the novel, and how it is addressed but not made a big deal. Aiden deals with being an amputee and it is acknowledged how that impacts him, but we also learn about him beyond the disability, and see him as a normal teenage boy who happens to be missing a body part. I do wish the indigenous side had been explored more- it kept being mentioned, but I felt it was never really explored to a depth that other aspects were and could have been. I also will caution that this book explores some heavy topics and they may be more mature than some kids are ready for as teens. Not all teens, but some may not be mature enough for the plotline especially in regards to the last foster family, so definitely be cautious about the triggers in this book. That said, the heavy topics were handled with care and appropriate for upper teens, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
September 26, 2026
I love this book so hard. The raw and realistic nature with the sensationalistic yet still scarily plausible story was written with so much ferocity and beautiful heartbreak and determination that I couldn't get enough. Nokes is a favorite heroine of mine now. A hockey player with talent whose abuse at the hands of loved ones and others because of system that was constantly working against her. A Canadian and American system that both had issues.
The relationship between Aidan and her was awesome from the start. Their banter was a favorite and their cards both had been stacked against them, Aidan with a physical disability, Nokes with the death of her mother and a dad who tried but couldn't care. She needed someone in her corner and he saw that and he was there for her. She had a smart mouth but it was appreciated by some. The girls, once she settled in at her new school, rallied around her even in the midst of a trial that laid bare abuse from "caring" adults. I love that hockey is a big part of this book including plays and moves but it never felt too much. The book was too much and not enough at the same time. I'm being ineloquent because I have a visceral reaction to this book. I need better words!
The relationship between Aidan and her was awesome from the start. Their banter was a favorite and their cards both had been stacked against them, Aidan with a physical disability, Nokes with the death of her mother and a dad who tried but couldn't care. She needed someone in her corner and he saw that and he was there for her. She had a smart mouth but it was appreciated by some. The girls, once she settled in at her new school, rallied around her even in the midst of a trial that laid bare abuse from "caring" adults. I love that hockey is a big part of this book including plays and moves but it never felt too much. The book was too much and not enough at the same time. I'm being ineloquent because I have a visceral reaction to this book. I need better words!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fight Song by Kirk Van Brunt this amazing YA novel is a must read for everyone!
This novel follows Nokes Lasley, a Indigenous Teen hockey player who was dealt a shitty hand in life. Nokes dreams of playing in the Olympics one day and proving she can compete in the big leagues.
When her father is arrested for murder, Nokes is forced into the Foster care system. After bouncing from one bad placement to the next, she decides to stay with a family friend in Minnesota.
The promise of a new life with a hockey connection is enough to have Nokes fleeing her home province of Ontario.
It's in Minnesota where she meets Aiden, is able to start a new life, and continue playing hockey. But when the past catches up to her, Nokes has to make the choice to keep running or face her past.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kirk Van Brunt for this arc. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
I was honestly blown away by how real and poinent this book was. It explores harsh real topics, in a way that draws you in and keeps those pages turning. I think it's a must read!
This book is expected Sept 15th 2026
This novel follows Nokes Lasley, a Indigenous Teen hockey player who was dealt a shitty hand in life. Nokes dreams of playing in the Olympics one day and proving she can compete in the big leagues.
When her father is arrested for murder, Nokes is forced into the Foster care system. After bouncing from one bad placement to the next, she decides to stay with a family friend in Minnesota.
The promise of a new life with a hockey connection is enough to have Nokes fleeing her home province of Ontario.
It's in Minnesota where she meets Aiden, is able to start a new life, and continue playing hockey. But when the past catches up to her, Nokes has to make the choice to keep running or face her past.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kirk Van Brunt for this arc. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
I was honestly blown away by how real and poinent this book was. It explores harsh real topics, in a way that draws you in and keeps those pages turning. I think it's a must read!
This book is expected Sept 15th 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author for promotional purposes.
This was an inspiring YA read!
It’s about an indigenous teen girl who runs away from a bad situation in pursuit of a better life playing hockey.
The main character, Nokes, goes through a lot of tough times, especially in the foster care system. I loved her. She felt realistic and complex and I was rooting for her the entire book.
What I loved the most about the book was how important community was. Noke’s hockey community and later on, her indigenous family were there to support her through it all. It showed how despite all the darkness that can happen to a person, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Community can be such a powerful thing!
The story was structured very well. It had the perfect amount of hockey action to balance the heaviness of the story. I also liked how the story incorporated flashbacks to show what happened to Nokes and how gradually it was revealed. The pacing of the flashbacks was immaculate. It never felt like there were too many or too little and they came at the right times.
Overall, I was deeply moved by this story. If you love young adult novels that explore real world issues, then I highly recommend this one!
This was an inspiring YA read!
It’s about an indigenous teen girl who runs away from a bad situation in pursuit of a better life playing hockey.
The main character, Nokes, goes through a lot of tough times, especially in the foster care system. I loved her. She felt realistic and complex and I was rooting for her the entire book.
What I loved the most about the book was how important community was. Noke’s hockey community and later on, her indigenous family were there to support her through it all. It showed how despite all the darkness that can happen to a person, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Community can be such a powerful thing!
The story was structured very well. It had the perfect amount of hockey action to balance the heaviness of the story. I also liked how the story incorporated flashbacks to show what happened to Nokes and how gradually it was revealed. The pacing of the flashbacks was immaculate. It never felt like there were too many or too little and they came at the right times.
Overall, I was deeply moved by this story. If you love young adult novels that explore real world issues, then I highly recommend this one!
September 20, 2026
TL;DR: there is a ton of potential in this, and I really truly think that if I were 17, I would have loved it. The story of a young hockey player in the foster care system is full of themes of identity and strength, but parts just felt disjointed to me.
Okay. The plot of this tells a very powerful and very real story. It tackles real world issues. I enjoyed the time skips - we piece together the story step by step in a way that felt incredibly well thought out.
But other parts of this were wild and unbelievable. I took issue with at least three key aspects - the romance being the biggest one. There were a lot of plot ... not holes but almost conveniences. These left an icky feeling and sort of ruined my suspension of disbelief for the rest of the narrative. It's hard to engage in a story when there are so many "oh, how convenient" moments.
There were also some questions set up but unanswered by the end, which annoyed me.
Overall, this is a strong story. The character / narrator is very well written, and the audiobook is well narrated. I think one final read through and edit might have made it even stronger, for me as an adult reader, though.
Okay. The plot of this tells a very powerful and very real story. It tackles real world issues. I enjoyed the time skips - we piece together the story step by step in a way that felt incredibly well thought out.
But other parts of this were wild and unbelievable. I took issue with at least three key aspects - the romance being the biggest one. There were a lot of plot ... not holes but almost conveniences. These left an icky feeling and sort of ruined my suspension of disbelief for the rest of the narrative. It's hard to engage in a story when there are so many "oh, how convenient" moments.
There were also some questions set up but unanswered by the end, which annoyed me.
Overall, this is a strong story. The character / narrator is very well written, and the audiobook is well narrated. I think one final read through and edit might have made it even stronger, for me as an adult reader, though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nokes knows that her presence can't be ignored both in the world of hockey and the world in general. Beaten down by life's circumstances, she's just trying to get by with hopes of playing Olympic hockey. But when running from life catches up with her, Nokes will have to make the toughest decisions of her life yet.
This YA novel was a solid read in so many ways. Heavy on hockey, which is a sport that we have very few titles about. I'm hopeful that there will be boys who are willing to pick it up even with a female main character. I loved the incorporation of an Indigenous character, even if that character wasn't living on a reservation. Important topics of the foster care system and how easy it is for children in the system to be exploited. Discussion of exploitation is not super descriptive, but trigger warning may be warranted as it's not the primary focus of the book.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
This YA novel was a solid read in so many ways. Heavy on hockey, which is a sport that we have very few titles about. I'm hopeful that there will be boys who are willing to pick it up even with a female main character. I loved the incorporation of an Indigenous character, even if that character wasn't living on a reservation. Important topics of the foster care system and how easy it is for children in the system to be exploited. Discussion of exploitation is not super descriptive, but trigger warning may be warranted as it's not the primary focus of the book.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Noke’s goal is to make the Canadian women’s Olympic hockey team, but when her dad is arrested Noke ends up in foster care. Aunt Connie wants custody but Noke takes off and heads to Minnesota where her uncle Luke lives. When she gets there she meets Aiden, Luke’s son, who tells her Luke died. Aiden works it out where she can stay at his house but his mom, a hockey coach, doesn’t know she’s there. Aiden helps her enroll in school ,and she begins playing hockey for his mom’s team. Nora, her guardian, keeps in touch and tells Noke that she needs to come back to Canada to testify about an incident that happened that made Noke run away. Noke finds out a secret her dad kept from her about her mom. What is it? Will Noke end up going to Canada to testify?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed it. Fast paced, and I didn't want to put it down. It switched between past and present, and it worked well for drawing out the story; I can't imagine it would've been half as interesting if the timeline had been linear.
Lots of great hockey action, particularly between characters on the ice. Brings some of the dark stuff of the child welfare system to light. Definitely lots of possible triggers, so be sure to check beforehand.
Yeah, I'm probably in the minority here, but as a Minnesotan, I have some minor squabbles. 1. It's Wayzata. 2. Pretty sure Tonka, Edina, Wayzata, etc. play in a different conference/division from places like Andover and Farmington. 3. It's the U of M. No one calls it U Minn (or whatever the book says).
Thank you to the author and to Penguin Random House Canada for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Lots of great hockey action, particularly between characters on the ice. Brings some of the dark stuff of the child welfare system to light. Definitely lots of possible triggers, so be sure to check beforehand.
Yeah, I'm probably in the minority here, but as a Minnesotan, I have some minor squabbles. 1. It's Wayzata. 2. Pretty sure Tonka, Edina, Wayzata, etc. play in a different conference/division from places like Andover and Farmington. 3. It's the U of M. No one calls it U Minn (or whatever the book says).
Thank you to the author and to Penguin Random House Canada for my gifted ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
October 1, 2026
A heartfelt and moving debut about Nokes Lasky, a young Indigenous teen hockey phenom running away from a dangerous foster care situation and the police in Sudbury, Canada to play on a Minnesota girl's hockey team where she has dreams of earning a spot on the Canadian Olympic Women's Hockey team. This story is about found family, women in sports, feminine rage, sexual abuse, Indigenous identity and even has some romance. I couldn't help rooting for Nokes and loved her friends to lovers situationship with Aiden, who gives her a place to stay and a shoulder to lean on. Aiden has a prosthetic limb and that matters not a whit to Nokes, who helps him with limb care and confides in him like no one else. Perfect for fans of books like The third period comeback by EK Johnston and Bruised by Tanya Boteju.
Review of advance copy
Thanks to Booktrovert for the e-copy of the book.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. I was moderately invested in this story of a hockey-playing young woman in a horrible living situation. The main character was pretty unlikable, and the few times she acted nicely, it felt wrong. Nonetheless, I appreciated the inclusion of hockey as part of the story. The main character's background as Native/Indigenous played a much smaller role in the story that I thought it would.
I think this is being marketed to the YA market -- there will certainly be an audience, and I enjoyed it.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. I was moderately invested in this story of a hockey-playing young woman in a horrible living situation. The main character was pretty unlikable, and the few times she acted nicely, it felt wrong. Nonetheless, I appreciated the inclusion of hockey as part of the story. The main character's background as Native/Indigenous played a much smaller role in the story that I thought it would.
I think this is being marketed to the YA market -- there will certainly be an audience, and I enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A harder-edged than usual YA novel. There are F-bombs, but aside from that, a fine story about a teen girl in Sudbury (the daughter of an Indigenous mother and French father) who excels at hockey and has dreams of playing in the Olympics one day. But after her father is arrested and jailed for manslaughter, she is alone and finds herself a Ward of the Province. Angry, and shunted from foster home to foster home, things are not good for her. Can hockey be the way out of her situation?
(Thus review was based on an Advance Reading Copy supplied by the publisher)
(Thus review was based on an Advance Reading Copy supplied by the publisher)
September 21, 2026
4.25⭐️
This story carries a lot of weight. Most of it falling on Nokes. Please care for yourself while reading.
At its heart is strength, resilience, finding oneself, family (born, found and lost), love and hockey.
But getting to the heart is pain, abuse, loss and fear.
We follow Nokes on her journey in dual timelines as she navigates all the things a sixteen year old should never have to face. Across borders and cultures. Hockey grounds her and gives her peace, but that may not be enough.
This story carries a lot of weight. Most of it falling on Nokes. Please care for yourself while reading.
At its heart is strength, resilience, finding oneself, family (born, found and lost), love and hockey.
But getting to the heart is pain, abuse, loss and fear.
We follow Nokes on her journey in dual timelines as she navigates all the things a sixteen year old should never have to face. Across borders and cultures. Hockey grounds her and gives her peace, but that may not be enough.
July 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This was a really good YA book! I don’t usually read books like this, but I enjoyed it. I loved the wholesome relationships and friendships that are shown throughout this book. Aidan was a great friend and was always there for her no matter what. I also really loved the indigenous aspect that the author decided to add, and how she struggled with it for a while.
Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me early access to Fight Song!
This was a really good YA book! I don’t usually read books like this, but I enjoyed it. I loved the wholesome relationships and friendships that are shown throughout this book. Aidan was a great friend and was always there for her no matter what. I also really loved the indigenous aspect that the author decided to add, and how she struggled with it for a while.
Thank you, NetGalley, for giving me early access to Fight Song!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a little edgier than a lot of the YA I typically read, but honestly, that's part of what made me enjoy it so much. It felt a bit grittier and more mature, which helped it stand out from other books I've read in the genre. I appreciated that it wasn't afraid to go to some darker places while still feeling like a story written for a younger audience.
Overall, this was a really solid read and one that pleasantly surprised me. If you enjoy YA but sometimes find yourself wanting something with a little more edge to it, I think this one is worth checking out!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was a really solid read and one that pleasantly surprised me. If you enjoy YA but sometimes find yourself wanting something with a little more edge to it, I think this one is worth checking out!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Solid 4.5 ✨️
Stay tuned for a review
Stay tuned for a review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nokes loves playing hockey in her home country of Canada. Her life changes drastically when her father is arrested for murder and she is placed in foster care. After a traumatic incident, Nokes flees her foster home and travels to the United States to find her father's friend, who had invited her to visit. His wife is a girls' hockey coach and may be her ticket to becoming an Olympic hockey player.
This is an emotional novel that has it all. Nokes's life changes so quickly that you really feel for her. What happened that made her flee from her foster home? Why is she afraid to live with her Native American aunt? You'll be asking yourself these questions throughout the book.
This book is for mature teens and those who enjoy hockey, family relationships, and Native American stories.
This is an emotional novel that has it all. Nokes's life changes so quickly that you really feel for her. What happened that made her flee from her foster home? Why is she afraid to live with her Native American aunt? You'll be asking yourself these questions throughout the book.
This book is for mature teens and those who enjoy hockey, family relationships, and Native American stories.
September 30, 2026
Such a good take on a girl in a bad situation coming out ok. And getting to play hockey!
August 6, 2026
I picked this one up in the middle of the day and had a HARD time putting it down when it came time to cook dinner that evening.
This young adult coming of age story follows a Native American girl who is navigating high school life and foster care, who has been dreams to play hockey at the Olympic level. I immediately fell in love with Nokes and my feelings only got stronger the more I got to know her.
I truly wish there was more. I cannot recommend this one enough, to both adults and young adults alike!!
This young adult coming of age story follows a Native American girl who is navigating high school life and foster care, who has been dreams to play hockey at the Olympic level. I immediately fell in love with Nokes and my feelings only got stronger the more I got to know her.
I truly wish there was more. I cannot recommend this one enough, to both adults and young adults alike!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews