Sticks

Reach for this book when your child is searching for a way to connect with a lost parent or is struggling to balance a unique passion with family expectations. It is a comforting and surprisingly funny choice for children navigating the lingering shadows of grief, specifically the quiet longing for a father they never truly knew. The story follows ten-year-old Mickey as he prepares for a major pool tournament, a game that was his late father's legacy. Through his journey, the book explores how we inherit talent, the importance of intergenerational mentorship, and the courage it takes to pursue a dream when a parent is afraid of you getting hurt. It is a grounded, realistic story that treats a child's emotions with dignity and wit, making it an excellent bridge for discussing loss and personal identity in middle-grade readers.