Granite Falls, WA -- Mike Bergstrom, author and renowned youth sports advocate, on September 1, 2025 announced the forthcoming release of a revised and expanded fourth edition of his bestselling book, The Car Ride Home: And Other Critical Moments in Youth Sports. The new edition, which will be available on September 1, 2025, provides parents and coaches with fresh insights, updated advice, and a humorous, heartfelt perspective on the realities of modern youth sports.

First published in 2008, The Car Ride Home has become an essential guide for navigating the emotional highs and lows of youth athletics. While a third edition was a visual refresh, this fourth edition represents a significant content revision. It features an updated subtitle, And Other Critical Moments in Youth Sports, to better reflect the book’s comprehensive guidance on a parent’s broader role. The text includes updates to names, grammar fixes, and a revised chapter titled "When Social Media Plays Dirty" to address changes in technology. The ultimate goal of this work is to help keep kids in the game, challenging the statistic that 70% of kids quit youth sports by age 13.

"In recent years, we've seen an alarming increase in reports of violence at youth sporting events, making it feel like this book is needed now more than ever," said author Mike Bergstrom. "This new edition is a direct result of conversations with parents and coaches and a desire to address these critical issues. It's an updated roadmap for every parent who's ever struggled with what to say, or what not to say, before, during, and after a game. My hope is that it will empower more parents to turn challenging car rides into meaningful moments."

About the Author

Mike Bergstrom is the author of The Car Ride Home: And Other Critical Moments in Youth Sports. As an engaging speaker, Mike shares his insights with parents, coaches, and club leaders, drawing from his extensive experience coaching at all levels, from recreational to high school. He and his wife of over 40 years live in the Pacific Northwest, where they enjoy spending time with their three children and seven grandchildren.