SAUGUS — Antonio LaBruna has always dreamed of writing his first children’s book. Now, with the release of “Gold in Milan,” he can officially say he reached his goal.

LaBruna, a Saugus resident, is a teacher in Revere. He said that during his time teaching in elementary school and now in middle school, he has seen the impact a book can have on children.

“It’s been a goal of mine for a long time to write a book. Partially, because I’m an educator, but also now especially because I have three kids of my own doing constant bedtime stories,” he said.

LaBruna’s book was inspired by the U.S. men’s hockey team beating Canada in the gold medal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

“When I watched that game, I just remember the pride and the excitement surrounding the team. So I thought that it would be great to capture that excitement while also making it a story for kids so they can relive that moment,” he said.

“Gold in Milan” is a rhyming book that follows a character who must overcome obstacles on the world’s biggest stage.

When asked what it felt like to get his hands on the final copy, LaBruna said, “It was very rewarding. A lot of work went into this. I spent a few months really learning the publication process. Writing the book wasn’t the first step. I wrote the manuscript and had to edit and revise it a few different times.”

LaBruna also got the chance to speak with multiple illustrators before selecting one that he felt fit his story.

“I realized quickly that each illustrator had their own style. But, I think I found the perfect match,” he said.

He said that his experience working with children helped him identify rhymes as well as the right vocabulary to use in the book.

“I had to kind of stop and go back and change things because I thought, ‘Will kids understand this?’ But then I was also having second thoughts, because maybe it was a word they didn’t know, but it is a great way to learn as they’re reading,” LaBruna said.

With his own children in mind, LaBruna slightly personalized the book, putting his sons’ names and the names of two of his nephews on the players’ jerseys. He also got the chance to read the first copy to his children.

“My oldest asked if he could take it to daycare with him, and when I went to pick him up later that day, his preschool teacher said, ‘Oh, we read the book to the class.’ So that was exciting as well,” he said.

With his first book under his belt, LaBruna hopes to write more books and already has a few ideas in mind.

For those looking to purchase the book, “Gold in Milan” is available on Amazon.