Reading Metrics
Description
After his mom dies, twelve-year-old Jonathan faces the loneliness and danger of life on the streets. An escape from this life Underground comes to him in the form of hockey gear and an impossible dream.
Quick Summary
When twelve-year-old Jonathan loses his mom, the streets become his only home, and you can feel the chill of his loneliness in every chapter. An unexpected lifeline arrives in the form of a donated set of hockey gear, sparking an impossible dream of joining a local team and escaping the underground world. The story mixes gritty, sometimes scary street scenes with moments of genuine humor and heart, making it a quick, punchy read that keeps you turning pages. It's perfect for kids who love sports especially hockey but also for anyone who enjoys a tale of resilience, found family, and chasing dreams against the odds. Parents will want to note that there's a realistic depiction of hardship and loss, but it's handled with sensitivity and leads to a hopeful ending that feels earned. If you liked "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander, you'll find a similar blend of lyrical language and emotional stakes, just swapped onto the ice instead of the basketball court.