Maverick's is a heartwarming story full of family, community and friendships as everyone rallies around Maverick—even Maverick himself, who through determination to succeed through practice, keeps trying until he achieves success. Throughout this interactive story, the Usufzys (authors of Alex the Goalie and other entries in the Adventures of Alex the Maverick Hockey Player series) encourage reflection and include teachable moments by pausing to ask young readers how they would respond if they were in Maverick's situation or how they would feel if they were in Maverick's shoes. Drawing parallels to practicing something that is a passion or dream, such as hockey, to something that may cause frustration, such as learning to tie your shoes, the authors juxtapose the lessons of allowing others to help with building confidence through effort.
Jason Velazquez’s simple but vivid illustrations emphasize faces and feelings, drawing a compelling contrast between Maverick’s expression of frustration and his subsequent delight at his achievement, an emotion communicated by a wide edge of smile and a jauntily stuck-out tongue. This is an empowering and endearing story of a young boy determined to master a tricky task, imparting its positive message to young readers in a straightforward and constructive manner, touching on matters deeper than skates: it is okay to receive help, to never stop trying, and to pass on the lesson to others in need.
Takeaway: Relatable children's story of a boy determined to learn a new life skill
Comparable Titles: Mac Barnett’s Sam & Dave Dig a Hole, Tom Percival's Ruby's Worry.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
