Other editions of book Sticks

There's only one thing in the world Mickey Vernon really wants, and it's hanging in the window of his family's pool hall. It's an awesome shirt that says Vernon's Pool Hall Youth Tournament Champion, Cruckston New Jersey, and the winner of the tento thirteen-year-olds' nine-ball tournament will have the honor of wearing it. For a ten-year-old, Mickey is one fantastic pool player. But to win the shirt, he's going to have to beat Buck Pender. Buck is three years older, is probably part gorilla, and has been pushing Mickey and his friends around since forever. Even with coaching from Arlen Pepper, math brain and loyal best friend, Mickey figures he's doomed.But then a bearded stranger in a cowboy hat rolls into town in a Peterbilt truck -- the ultimate. Joseph Alvarez is an ace with a pool cue. Even more important, he knew Mickey's pool champion father, who died when Mickey was a baby. But he's also a man with a past -- and Mickey's mother doesn't want Joseph spending time with her son. Mickey has absolutely got to talk his mother into letting this man teach him his dad's pool secrets.Amazing triple bank shots, fifth-grade heroics, and desperate measures to deal with unreasonable mothers add up to a hilarious novel about pool, parents, and trying to be the best.

Mickey's family owns the neighborhood pool hall, and he's been playing since before he could talk. Now that he's in fifth grade, he's determined to win the Junior Nine-Ball Championship and cream obnoxious Buck Pender. Problem is, Mickey's ten and Buck's thirteen-and could eat him for a snack. Even with his friend Arlen's help, Mickey doesn't stand a chance. Then Joe Alvarez shows up at the pool hall. He's a fantastic player, and decides to sign on as Mickey's pool coach. But it all depends on one person: Mickey. Can he beat the odds? "Good characters, humor, and an engaging plot make this a solid piece of middle-grade fiction." (Booklist)