Blog Archives
Bravery and Self-Trust
Maverick and the Big Game follows a young boy as he prepares for the championship hockey game, who is excited but nervous about messing up and disappointing his team. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Absolutely. Maverick and the Big Game is very personal to me. The character of Maverick is inspired by my own son, and many of the emotions he experiences—like nervousness before a big game, the desire to make his family proud, and the lessons about teamwork—come directly from moments we’ve shared. As a hockey mom who’s spent countless hours at the rink, I wanted to capture the heart, pressure, and joy of youth sports from a child’s perspective, but with all the love and encouragement that exists behind the scenes, too.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
One of my favorite scenes is when Maverick takes a deep breath and finally steps onto the ice for the big game. It’s a moment of bravery and self-trust, and it’s such a turning point for him. You can feel his nerves and his excitement, and it’s a beautiful reminder that courage doesn’t mean not being afraid—it means doing it anyway.
Will there be a follow-up book to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! There will definitely be more adventures with Maverick. The next book will focus on Maverick learning new life skills—both on and off the ice. He’ll face a new kind of challenge that tests his confidence in a different way, while still building on the friendships, lessons, and hockey love that started in Maverick and the Big Game. We’re also expanding the world around Maverick to show more of his life, his team, and even his dreams beyond hockey.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
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?
Maverick and the Big Game
Maverick and the Big Game is a heartwarming children’s story that follows a young hockey player named Maverick as he gears up for one of the biggest games of his season. It’s more than just a story about sports; it’s about grit, teamwork, and learning how to deal with pressure while keeping your joy intact. The book blends action on the ice with emotional insight, all wrapped up in colorful illustrations and told through the eyes of a determined, passionate kid with big dreams and an even bigger heart.
The writing has this genuine, almost nostalgic tone to it. It reminds me of those old-school sports movies where the underdog gives it their all. The dialogue feels natural, especially when Maverick chats with his mom before the game. That moment really tugged at my heart. She tells him, “No matter what, win or lose, you never give up!” It’s simple but powerful. You can tell that love and support are the backbone of Maverick’s confidence. It made me smile and maybe tear up a little. I also liked how the book didn’t try to over-explain the hockey stuff. It trusted the reader to go along for the ride.
The pacing of the story is perfect. There’s a real sense of buildup to the big game, and the way the tension grows had me flipping pages like I was watching the third period in overtime. Maverick’s nerves, his excitement, even his self-doubt, they’re all there in the little details. There’s a scene where he’s getting ready in the locker room, and his thoughts are racing. We’ve all had that pre-game or pre-performance moment where everything feels a bit too big. But he pushes through. Making his experience feel real.
The illustrations by Jason Velazquez are bold and bright, with this sort of comic-book flair that kids will love. But beyond the style, they add warmth. One panel with Maverick high-fiving his teammates after a goal, man, it just radiates energy. You don’t even need the words in some parts; the art says it all. The words and pictures dance together.
Maverick and the Big Game is a total win. It’s perfect for young readers who love sports, especially hockey, but even more so for any kid who’s learning to believe in themselves. It’s also a great pick for parents who want to share a story about persistence and love with their children. Whether your kid is lacing up their skates or just facing a big challenge at school, this book is like a warm, encouraging hug in paper form.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0DZF67Z3D
LITERARY TITAN 