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Community Corner

Michigan Children's Author at B&N

I’m a local editor and writer, and I’ll be at the Northville Barnes & Noble on Saturday, October 12 from 2pm to 4pm  and at the Brighton Barnes & Noble Sunday, October 13 from 12pm-3pm signing my newest book, Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors.


I wrote this book after watching my son play hockey for over 7 years and noticing that he was learning life lessons that he could use off the ice (i.e. working with others, following directions, being accountable, striving to do his best, being a leader and a follower, working toward a goal, etc.) The main character, Toby Karlson, uses these same hockey life lessons to deal with a rumor that changes his whole life in 5th grade.

This book is great for 3rd-6th graders. Some wonderful people have said amazing things about my book. Here are just a few of them:

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“Hockey is not just a sport that teaches kids how to play a game; it teaches a lot of life lessons including how to conduct yourself off the ice. TK demonstrates the different life lessons he’s learned through hockey in his own wacky way in Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors.” ~Scott Wedgewood, 2010 New Jersey Devils 3rd draft choice 84th overall, 2012 Team Canada World Juniors Bronze Medalist, former OHL Goalie for the Plymouth Whalers

“Outstanding! I especially liked this book because I can relate to almost all the events that happened. You will especially love the ending!” ~Drew P., ten years old (almost eleven)

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“As a journalist I get literally hundreds of authors who want me to review their books either on my TV or radio show or in print.  I always inform them that I have to read it first.  I can't endorse or recommend something I am not aware of. If you are a, "Hockey family" this book is immediately in your wheel house.  Surprisingly if you aren't a hockey family, it fits just as perfectly in your family.  Lost in today's, ‘Everyone gets a trophy for playin’ mentality is the great lessons that sports can teach kids.  Some of my greatest moments in life, both good and bad are wrapped up in sports. Yankee does a superb job of weaving a tale not as much around hockey, but about life.  As soon as I read the book I gave it to my son and he loved it.  It takes a skilled author to be able to weave a tale that not only can entertain adults, but kids also. Don't hesitate!  The fact you are reading this review says that it has your interest, so do your family a favor and buy this book!” ~Hondo S Carpenter, Sr., Spartan Nation Radio

“As a teacher for more than thirty-eight years, I have longed for a book that truly depicts the many trials and tribulations of youngsters I teach on a daily basis. Kris Yankee has beautifully penned a selection through TK, her main character, that brings to light the ups and downs of typical eleven-year-olds who often struggle with friendships, bullying, camp, and the loss of a loved one on a daily basis. It is a selection I will definitely keep front and center on the reading shelf of my classroom! This book is one that my students will not be able to put down as they will easily relate to so many events depicted from front to cover.” ~Tom Williams, sixth-grade Language Arts teacher

“I loved the book!!! This book was so good it made me laugh! This book teaches you a lot of lessons. Here is the one that appealed to me: friends are the best thing that happened to the world.” ~Ben G., sixth grader



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