Gina Usufzy- Author

And that’s a wrap for Reading Week 2026! 📚🏒

Thank you to all the schools who invited me to come share Maverick’s Hockey Adventures with your students. Seeing the excitement from the kids, hearing their questions, and watching them connect with Maverick’s story is something I never take for granted.

This year I also had the opportunity to “book an adventure” and fly to Sparks, Nevada to participate in Reading Week at a local elementary school. That officially checked off a bucket list item of mine — traveling to a new location to share Maverick. ✈️📚

From local classrooms here in the valley to a new city up north, every visit reminds me why I started writing these stories in the first place — to inspire kids, encourage reading, and share the love of hockey.

Thank you to the teachers, staff, and students who welcomed me this week. Already looking forward to Reading Week 2027! ❤️

Day 1 of Reading Week was so special. I had the opportunity to read The Adventures of Maverick the Hockey Player to an amazing group of students and talk about how reading builds confidence just like practice on the ice. 🏒📚

There’s nothing better than seeing kids engaged, asking questions, and connecting hockey with literacy.

And a big shout out to one of Maverick’s real-life teammates for coming out and supporting during Reading Week! That’s true teamwork — on and off the ice. 💙👏

🏒 Maverick’s Biggest Adventure Yet! 📚

Nevada Reading Week (March 2–6) is just around the corner, and this year’s theme, "Book an Adventure," is exactly what Maverick is doing! We are hitting the ice, the airwaves, and the road for an action-packed week of literacy.

Here’s what's happening during this exciting week:

• 📻 On the Radio: I’ll be a guest on the Neon & Beyond show on 97.1 The Point to talk about Maverick’s journey and the Las Vegas Community Sports Complex. I’m especially excited to be reading one of the Maverick books on air!

• 📺 Morning Blend Daily Shout-outs: Huge thanks to The Morning Blend (KTNV) hosts! Tune in every single morning of Reading Week as they highlight Maverick’s Daily Reading Tips to help our community’s young MVPs stay on top of their game.

• 💻 LIVE Author Event (March 4th): I am honored to be invited back by the Nevada Department of Education to connect with students across the state for their virtual Author LIVE Event on Wednesday, March 4th.

• 🚐 Maverick Hits the Road: I’ll be visiting local schools across the Las Vegas valley and making my very first trip to Sparks, NV! Maverick is officially traveling the state to meet new fans and share the love of the game.

From teamwork on the ice to perseverance in the classroom, we are dreaming big this year. See you out there, Nevada!

Excited to be selected again as an author for Nevada Reading Week 2026 with the Nevada Department of Education!

This year’s theme, Book an Adventure, is a perfect fit for Maverick’s journey. Honored to be included alongside so many wonderful authors and to continue sharing the joy of reading with students across Nevada.

You can view all participating authors (including my bio) here:
https://sites.google.com/doe.nv.gov/nevada-reading-week/author-live-event/authors

Share Maverick’s adventures with your family and friends today. There’s nothing better than cozying up and reading a great story together during the holidays.

The Adventures of Maverick the Hockey Player series is the perfect present for your little ones to find under the tree this year! 🎁🏒 Give them the gift of reading and imagination.

🛒 Find the entire series now on Amazon & Barnes & Noble

Thank you to our 2025-2026 Sponsors. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Today I had the opportunity to visit a local elementary school and share The Adventures of Maverick the Hockey Player with some amazing students! 🏒✨

After story time, their writing activity was to imagine they were Maverick’s coach and write the advice they would give him during the championship game.

Their words were powerful — full of encouragement, heart, and belief:
“Do not give up. I know you can do it.”
“You are the best at hockey!”
“Every day you inspire me.”

Moments like these remind me why I love sharing Maverick’s story — because his lessons go far beyond the ice. 💙