A middle grade novel about hockey, sportsmanship, belonging, and being proud of who you are and where you come from. A young boy coping with discrimination and racism on a new hockey team learns to take pride in where he comes from and his Cree (Indigenous) identity. Examines the experience of coping with racism and microaggressions in sports, as well as the importance of being proud of your identity in the face of prejudice. A hockey-focused middle grade novel about an Indigenous boy from award-winning author David A. Robertson. Set in real places in Manitoba: Winnipeg and Norway House Cree Nation. David A. Robertson is the author of over 25 books and was the 2021 recipient of the Writer's Union of Canada's Freedom to Read Award.

Robertson grew up in Winnipeg, the setting for the book, and has experienced overt discrimination and microaggressions similar to what Alex experiences in the story. This novel was inspired by the author's son, who is an avid hockey player. David A. Robertson is the author of the immensely popular middle grade series The Misewa Saga, which features the novel The Barren Grounds. This book was printed in North America by Friesens, the first FSC-certified printing company in Canada. With plants powered by hydroelectric and wind farms, the company is 100% employee-owned and is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint. This book is printed on 100% post-consumer-waste recycled paper recognized as Ancient Forest Friendly, using vegetable-based inks and alcohol-free blanket wash.