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Stick
“Stick” is the best wide receiver in the history of his high school—the football seems magnetically drawn to his hands, hence his nickname.
Preston is an outcast, and his pipsqueak stature and nerdy social status couldn’t be further from a star athlete’s.
Stick puts on his football uniform every week to make others—his teammates, his dad, everyone but himself—happy, but he’s fallen out of love with the sport and feels that he’s lost control of his future.
Preston puts on his homemade superhero costume every night to help others, too: to avenge his father’s murder, he’s determined to right the wrongs he sees in his neighborhood and regain control of the flawed world he sees around him.
A twist of fate brings this unlikely pair together in a friendship that is as odd as it is true. Each can see the other better than he can see himself, and in these unexpected reflections lies a chance for mutual redemption.
Preston is an outcast, and his pipsqueak stature and nerdy social status couldn’t be further from a star athlete’s.
Stick puts on his football uniform every week to make others—his teammates, his dad, everyone but himself—happy, but he’s fallen out of love with the sport and feels that he’s lost control of his future.
Preston puts on his homemade superhero costume every night to help others, too: to avenge his father’s murder, he’s determined to right the wrongs he sees in his neighborhood and regain control of the flawed world he sees around him.
A twist of fate brings this unlikely pair together in a friendship that is as odd as it is true. Each can see the other better than he can see himself, and in these unexpected reflections lies a chance for mutual redemption.
231 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 11, 2018
I wish I'd discovered this author's work back when I was searching for books that might interest my children! This is the third of Michael Harmon's stories I've read and loved (previously Brutal and The Last Exit to Normal, both of which I awarded 5 stars).
Don't be put off this one if, like me, you have zero interest in football, because the game is only its surface appeal. This is a book of substance - about bullying, loyalty, friendship, sportsmanship and so much more.
According to his stats, "Stick" is a rising star, but he's always played the game for everyone else and according to their rules: his father, coach and teammates. His future was mapped out for him at the age of 12 and he'd never considered what that meant or how he felt about it until he met Preston, a skinny "nerd" fighting injustice the only way he knows how, who is targeted mercilessly by the members of Stick's team for practical jokes and worse. The two become unlikely friends and bring new perspectives to one another's lives.
It's time for Stick to "BE A MAN" (whatever that means) and to be true to his own morals - to both play the game and live life in a way that sits right with him while accepting the consequences of going against the status quo.
It's a thought provoking read - not an easy path for Stick or for Preston - that ticks all the boxes: well rounded characters, lots of tension, and a satisfying conclusion. I think the 'author's acknowledgments" sums it up when he says: "I'd like to thank all the great coaches I had growing up. They taught me what the true definition of being a team player is and, more importantly, that sportsmanship doesn't have anything to do with playing a game. It has to do with life."
I plan to devour every one of Michael Harmon's teen reads, now that I've rediscovered him!
Don't be put off this one if, like me, you have zero interest in football, because the game is only its surface appeal. This is a book of substance - about bullying, loyalty, friendship, sportsmanship and so much more.
According to his stats, "Stick" is a rising star, but he's always played the game for everyone else and according to their rules: his father, coach and teammates. His future was mapped out for him at the age of 12 and he'd never considered what that meant or how he felt about it until he met Preston, a skinny "nerd" fighting injustice the only way he knows how, who is targeted mercilessly by the members of Stick's team for practical jokes and worse. The two become unlikely friends and bring new perspectives to one another's lives.
It's time for Stick to "BE A MAN" (whatever that means) and to be true to his own morals - to both play the game and live life in a way that sits right with him while accepting the consequences of going against the status quo.
It's a thought provoking read - not an easy path for Stick or for Preston - that ticks all the boxes: well rounded characters, lots of tension, and a satisfying conclusion. I think the 'author's acknowledgments" sums it up when he says: "I'd like to thank all the great coaches I had growing up. They taught me what the true definition of being a team player is and, more importantly, that sportsmanship doesn't have anything to do with playing a game. It has to do with life."
I plan to devour every one of Michael Harmon's teen reads, now that I've rediscovered him!
April 24, 2019
The theme of Stick is that you should stand up for what you think is right. One example of this is when Brett quits football because he thinks that he is playing the game for the wrong reasons. Another example of this is how Preston goes and fights crime at night because his father died to a robber and he wants to make the world a better place.
July 9, 2017
I don't like football (even though my son played); I am not interested in football novels; and I am not a fan of superheroes. But I could put down this novel. Patterson ("Stick") is a football player but with the overwhelming pressure from his father and his coach, he has lost the love of playing. Preston is an individual who has no friends but lives life on his own terms as he struggles with the guilt and trauma of his father's death and he dresses as a superhero to help others in need. When the two teens become friends, Preston encourages Stick to decide if he wants to remain on the team. His decision to quit appears to derail his life when his father kicks him out of the house and his former friends on the team savagely turn on not only him but also Preston, but taking charge of his life actually helps him get back on track, a track that follows his heart and helps him save his father. I am not sure whether it was the writing or the memorable characters and their inherent morality—or both, but I did not put down this novel until I finished—wanting the story to go on. I will miss both Stick and Preston but, most of all, their friendship.
February 13, 2018
It was pretty good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 13, 2019I like this book because it was funny and had some drama between son and father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2015
What a great book! Loved the characters, loved the dialog, loved the realistic situations. Great read for high school and middle school. Be forewarned of the language, and violent situations. I have met Preston and Stick in the kids y that I see on a daily basis at the library, thank you Michael Harmon for writing such real characters. They are a very original odd couple of friends.
November 25, 2016
Great book for any athlete who wonders why they are really playing. An awesome look at how the coaches and parents impact the type of player the athlete becomes! Side story on dealing with grief and blame make this relevant to more than just student athletes!
Currently reading
December 12, 2019Stick is a very good book if you are looking for a fun book for school that you are actually interested in. This book has the perfect balance of fun, stress, and sad all in one. Stick falls into the category of Fiction, but it is based on the real world just an alternate reality. The character spread throughout the book was amazing. The author included the happy character, the sad character, the bully character etc. My favorite character from this book would have to be Preston. I chose Preston as my favorite because of how he changes the main character (Brett) in the story. When I started this book, I would have never thought there would be a character like Preston in this story, especially as one of Brett’s best friends. Preston is the reason that Brett has changed so much. To start off the book brett was one of the best, but a little arrogant, football players in highschool who would take shit from anybody. As the story progressed Brett started evolving and becoming more aware of who was around him and what they were doing. He realized he hated having all his friends and family use him just because they want to win a championship, so he left. After Brett left the Saxons team and school he became a better person. He gained more sympathy for others, it’s like he was reborn for the first time, he saw everything differently. I would love to see this as a movie, I would go see it immedietley. The overall tone of this story, for me, would have to be “hopeful”. It is not hopeful throughout the whole story but during the important conversations between Preston and Brett (the 2 main characters) I felt hopeful that in the end it would all be the way it should be and everyone would be satisfied.
May 21, 2018
Wow, this is a great book about one great athlete. “Stick,” Preston is a very popular kid at his school who is very good at football. Preston doesn’t necessarily like football but loves the guys he plays with and doesn’t want to let his team down. Preston doesn’t want to let anyone down and ways to help society, but can he continue to play football while he doesn’t like it?
A feature in this book I would like to describe is Sticks bravery. I really admire the guts this kid has to continue playing a game he hates just for other people. This kid is one of the toughest kids i have read about. Prestons dad dies and he doesn’t get all sad and let it take him down, he continues to push through. Preston goes into the real world every day and helps others and tries to stop crime, so other kids don’t experience things like him.
Another feature I would like to talk about is how well the book is written. The book is very well written and is descriptive. I was never bored in this book and never lost my focus. I really like the point this books makes to be tough and keep pushing through. I really like how the story was told and described. I also liked the plot of this book.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and found it very interesting. This is one of the better books i have read and had a lot of action and good morals in it. I would recommend this book to almost anyone, especially kids who like action.
A feature in this book I would like to describe is Sticks bravery. I really admire the guts this kid has to continue playing a game he hates just for other people. This kid is one of the toughest kids i have read about. Prestons dad dies and he doesn’t get all sad and let it take him down, he continues to push through. Preston goes into the real world every day and helps others and tries to stop crime, so other kids don’t experience things like him.
Another feature I would like to talk about is how well the book is written. The book is very well written and is descriptive. I was never bored in this book and never lost my focus. I really like the point this books makes to be tough and keep pushing through. I really like how the story was told and described. I also liked the plot of this book.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and found it very interesting. This is one of the better books i have read and had a lot of action and good morals in it. I would recommend this book to almost anyone, especially kids who like action.
February 23, 2018
Stick
Wes Atkins
Mrs. Ulloa Block 3 English H
We all know the Super Bowl is coming soon. So, there's no better way to understand it then to read a sports book by Michael Harmon called Stick. Michael was born in LA, and he draws on many of his own experiences in his award-winning fiction novels. Some of Harmon's award-winning novels are Skate, Brutal, Last Exit to Normal, and The Chamber of Five.
The star wide receiver for the Hamilton Saxons in California, Stick Patterson has been playing football his whole life, but in his senior year of high school he realizes he's been playing for the wrong reason. Read the book to find out Stick's decisionabout whether to keep playing for the wrong reason, or play for the right reason.
Michael was trying to teach the readersthat winning isn't everything. For example, Coach Williams, one of Stick's coaches, was only focused on winning, so he was a jerk. Winning turns a goodie -two -shoes into a Debbie Downer if you understand what I mean.
Overall Stick is a great book; I loved it. The big game had a lot of action. If I was the author I’d make Preston Stick’s friend more enthusiastic, so his character would be better. Then the book would be even better than it already is.
I’d recommend this book to teens and adults. This book contains scenes and language that is inappropriate for younger readers.
Wes Atkins
Mrs. Ulloa Block 3 English H
We all know the Super Bowl is coming soon. So, there's no better way to understand it then to read a sports book by Michael Harmon called Stick. Michael was born in LA, and he draws on many of his own experiences in his award-winning fiction novels. Some of Harmon's award-winning novels are Skate, Brutal, Last Exit to Normal, and The Chamber of Five.
The star wide receiver for the Hamilton Saxons in California, Stick Patterson has been playing football his whole life, but in his senior year of high school he realizes he's been playing for the wrong reason. Read the book to find out Stick's decisionabout whether to keep playing for the wrong reason, or play for the right reason.
Michael was trying to teach the readersthat winning isn't everything. For example, Coach Williams, one of Stick's coaches, was only focused on winning, so he was a jerk. Winning turns a goodie -two -shoes into a Debbie Downer if you understand what I mean.
Overall Stick is a great book; I loved it. The big game had a lot of action. If I was the author I’d make Preston Stick’s friend more enthusiastic, so his character would be better. Then the book would be even better than it already is.
I’d recommend this book to teens and adults. This book contains scenes and language that is inappropriate for younger readers.
December 19, 2017
I honestly am not much of reader, but after reading this book, it was really great, I honestly never thought I could relate so much to a book, Stick being the main character showing how much a person can intake everyone using him for his athletic skills and him dealing with it for so long and eventually being fed up and making drastic changes as to quitting the team because he realized the sport of football was not being played fairly on the team he was playing for his team, his coach, and his dad, being that he is a alcoholic drinker, and treating his son as if he was a football player and not an actual son he should be treated as, somewhere in each part of this story, there is scene that any person can relate to themselves within this story. I definitely recommend for everyone to take the time to reading this book if you either enjoy real life dramatic events or a good game of football.
July 27, 2017
This was a 5 for me until it hit 70% in. Then it was a 4, until the very end which came abruptly and without any conclusion. That's when it hit 3. The first half is SO GOOD. A talented football player grows tired of being treated like dirt by his alcoholic father and realizes that his life is not his own, so he breaks away from it all, in the process befriending the very adorable Preston, who is a certified nerd.
It focused on their friendship and all the pain they were each going through, and then 70% on, it just...loses that. Becomes really convenient. And while I like that things were getting happier, it didn't fit with the opening. Then the end came so suddenly and I felt like there were so many unfinished things.
I read this in a matter of hours, because I liked it so much, but I don't feel like I can give it higher than a 3 because of that mess of an ending.
It focused on their friendship and all the pain they were each going through, and then 70% on, it just...loses that. Becomes really convenient. And while I like that things were getting happier, it didn't fit with the opening. Then the end came so suddenly and I felt like there were so many unfinished things.
I read this in a matter of hours, because I liked it so much, but I don't feel like I can give it higher than a 3 because of that mess of an ending.
July 14, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a great mixture to be enjoyable for many audiences. There is some great, but quick, character development (quickness, I presume, is due to the young adult nature of the book). It's a page turner as well and I was sucked in so much that I finished it in one day. I would definitely recommend this book. It's so refreshing especially as a book revolving around football. It doesn't take the typical storyline you might imagine. It's just different enough to really grab the reader's attention.
April 22, 2018
Great lessons to be learned from this book and I loved the relationship between Stick and Preston. Harmon does a good job with character development. However. I felt the reading level was more on an elementary or middle school level while the content was more of a high school level. Many of the situations asked me to suspend my disbelief a bit too much. Some of the scenarios just did not seem like they would really happen. This would be a good book for boys who really are not interested in reading as it is short, has some sports in it and easy reading level.
August 23, 2018
A book with a football helmet on the cover made me cry a fair bit. Good job, book! Go you, book!
What I loved about this: while I thought it started fairly abruptly—star football player quits football—the well developed middle and end more than made up for it. I adore a story that can love something and address the toxicity within it, and I think Harmon handles high school football well here.
Not quite sure what to make of Preston’s character (is he meant to be diagnosable?) but I did love his banter.
What I loved about this: while I thought it started fairly abruptly—star football player quits football—the well developed middle and end more than made up for it. I adore a story that can love something and address the toxicity within it, and I think Harmon handles high school football well here.
Not quite sure what to make of Preston’s character (is he meant to be diagnosable?) but I did love his banter.
February 12, 2024
This is such a wonderful story full of heart. It reminds me of an inspirational sports movie, but in book form, and the lessons are really more about life than about football.
It's a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. The characters and the conflict feel real and messy and gritty, but there's ultimately a lot of hope. Uplifting themes include friendship, redemption, and doing things the right way in a world full of wrong.
I was honestly surprised by how much I adored this book! Read it if you want something to make you believe in humanity again.
It's a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. The characters and the conflict feel real and messy and gritty, but there's ultimately a lot of hope. Uplifting themes include friendship, redemption, and doing things the right way in a world full of wrong.
I was honestly surprised by how much I adored this book! Read it if you want something to make you believe in humanity again.
June 19, 2017
YA - I have many teen boy readers who will enjoy reading this book. There is much to high school football that the fans don't see. This book follows a gifted football player and the struggles that come along with that gift in addition to the normal teenage drama.
June 24, 2017
Better than I thought. For sure a boy read but a great lesson for all about the impact our personal choices have on others.
June 29, 2017
Sports /superheroes father/son relationships/ bullying
August 30, 2019
Given to me by a student and I could not put it down. Fantastic story!
September 14, 2020
4.5 stars (I didn't like the ending). This book was FANTASTIC! It had a non-sports-fan like me flipping pages like a madwoman! Loved, loved, LOVED the storyline and characters!!!
June 13, 2021
A fantastic middle/high school read.
February 28, 2024
This Book had lots of turning points because The main Carechter Brett Patterson went through lots of changes throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2015
This book was read and reviewed by my co-worker, Nicole
Brett “Stick” Patterson has been playing football his whole life. Now that he is a senior in high school the game is no longer fun- the pressure to do well, and to win at any costs has taken its toll. When Brett befriends, outcast and new kid Preston, Brett makes a decision which will change his whole life.
The book deals with some pretty heavy issues which I am sure many teens are going through in our day and age. Brett’s father is an alcoholic, and pressures Brett to do well in football to gain a sport’s scholarship so he can go to college- otherwise they can’t afford for him to go. There are various cases of abuse at Brett’s home and Preston’s. The book covers bullying to many extreme cases- and different ways to handle such a situation. Preston is a super genius, and a geek. He came from the Chicago area, and froze when he and his father were mugged. Since Preston did not do anything, he feels responsible and joined a vigilante team of heroes to fight crime at night.
Brett, leaves his football team because the sport is no longer something he loves- everyone around him has made it a challenge, and a depression thing for him to do. The whole school and team gangs up on him, and so Brett leaves the school under an emergency bullying policy and transfers to a different school- where, since he DOES love the game, joins their team. The story takes an almost fairy tale turn at this point, because this team plays for the love of the game, and plays as a team. Brett’s father, after several nights of losing control, joins AA and Brett tries for a football scholarship.
The author mentions Brett’s love of art, and I would have loved to see this have taken on a larger role in the story- for example Brett goes to school on a scholarship and studies art. It would have been nice to see that have developed. The book read very quickly, with many short chapters, and as someone who does not enjoy sports or football- I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This book did have some language issues, words such as fuck, asshole, douchbag, shit, etc are used with some frequencies for some of the characters. There is also one scene in which Brett drinks a lot of his dad’s beer. Other than those items though, there is not any sexual actions, or drug abuse. The adults who have drinking problems- seem to try to be taking care of such issues and we don’t hear about teenage drinking ( other than that one scene). There is not any graphic violence mentioned but some of the bullying could be intense for some teens. For example, Preston gets cornered in a bathroom and stripped of his clothing. Preston’s reaction is to walk down the hall- instead of waiting to be rescued. His walk is caught on film and makes it to the internet. Preston retaliates by having a professional video created, and making “ NakedBoy” shirts- thus making money off of those who have bullied him.
Because of the language, I would recommend this for older teens, 16+ ( at our system anyway). It would be great for reluctant readers, especially males- both those who love sports and comics because which each of those you get a light into their world.
I gave it a 3-4 star rating because, while I enjoyed it, and would recommend it, it’s not one I would need to read again.
Brett “Stick” Patterson has been playing football his whole life. Now that he is a senior in high school the game is no longer fun- the pressure to do well, and to win at any costs has taken its toll. When Brett befriends, outcast and new kid Preston, Brett makes a decision which will change his whole life.
The book deals with some pretty heavy issues which I am sure many teens are going through in our day and age. Brett’s father is an alcoholic, and pressures Brett to do well in football to gain a sport’s scholarship so he can go to college- otherwise they can’t afford for him to go. There are various cases of abuse at Brett’s home and Preston’s. The book covers bullying to many extreme cases- and different ways to handle such a situation. Preston is a super genius, and a geek. He came from the Chicago area, and froze when he and his father were mugged. Since Preston did not do anything, he feels responsible and joined a vigilante team of heroes to fight crime at night.
Brett, leaves his football team because the sport is no longer something he loves- everyone around him has made it a challenge, and a depression thing for him to do. The whole school and team gangs up on him, and so Brett leaves the school under an emergency bullying policy and transfers to a different school- where, since he DOES love the game, joins their team. The story takes an almost fairy tale turn at this point, because this team plays for the love of the game, and plays as a team. Brett’s father, after several nights of losing control, joins AA and Brett tries for a football scholarship.
The author mentions Brett’s love of art, and I would have loved to see this have taken on a larger role in the story- for example Brett goes to school on a scholarship and studies art. It would have been nice to see that have developed. The book read very quickly, with many short chapters, and as someone who does not enjoy sports or football- I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This book did have some language issues, words such as fuck, asshole, douchbag, shit, etc are used with some frequencies for some of the characters. There is also one scene in which Brett drinks a lot of his dad’s beer. Other than those items though, there is not any sexual actions, or drug abuse. The adults who have drinking problems- seem to try to be taking care of such issues and we don’t hear about teenage drinking ( other than that one scene). There is not any graphic violence mentioned but some of the bullying could be intense for some teens. For example, Preston gets cornered in a bathroom and stripped of his clothing. Preston’s reaction is to walk down the hall- instead of waiting to be rescued. His walk is caught on film and makes it to the internet. Preston retaliates by having a professional video created, and making “ NakedBoy” shirts- thus making money off of those who have bullied him.
Because of the language, I would recommend this for older teens, 16+ ( at our system anyway). It would be great for reluctant readers, especially males- both those who love sports and comics because which each of those you get a light into their world.
I gave it a 3-4 star rating because, while I enjoyed it, and would recommend it, it’s not one I would need to read again.
December 6, 2016
*Theme: If you like reading about family bond or appreciating your family members then you will like this book.
*Favorite Quote: “I love this game Mike, and i’m not going to let other people ruin it for me.”
*Analyze Quote: Brett trying to say that he won’t let anyone ruin his love for football because he has so much passion for it. A lot of kids love the game and dream to make it big one day.That’s why he left the school so his old teammates wouldn't stop his dream.
*Personal Connections: I love football just as much as Stick(Brett)and I will do anything to keep loving this sport. I have one major goal in life is to make it big in football. I want to make everyone in my family proud especially my father.
*One Question You Still Have or
the Book Made You Think About? This book really made me think about how my father treats me during the season because he really appreciates how I play and what I do on and off the field so it don’t effect my game.
*Summary: Stick is a book by Micheal Harmon about a football player named “Stick’’ A.K.A Brett that plays wide-receiver position on offense. He is the best W.R in the country but while he goes through his football career he goes he goes through life struggle with his dad because his mom dies. His father puts a lot of pressure on him so he can make dit big because he father couldn’t. Throughout Brett goes through a lot of things he loses his best friend, his team and even his father, but he makes a new friend named Preston and he’s a crime-fighter but he’s pretty puny. He even joins another team just to beat his old team which all hate him and want to call him for treading them.
*Setting: The time of the book was in present(2016). There were all types of culture throughout the story. The dress like all the kids now in 2016 tight jeans, regular shirt with jordans or converses. They talk with some slang most of the time and crack jokes on each other a lot.The society is kinda wild because Brett and his best friend Preston go out at night to stop crimes to make the society calm and safe.
*Favorite Quote: “I love this game Mike, and i’m not going to let other people ruin it for me.”
*Analyze Quote: Brett trying to say that he won’t let anyone ruin his love for football because he has so much passion for it. A lot of kids love the game and dream to make it big one day.That’s why he left the school so his old teammates wouldn't stop his dream.
*Personal Connections: I love football just as much as Stick(Brett)and I will do anything to keep loving this sport. I have one major goal in life is to make it big in football. I want to make everyone in my family proud especially my father.
*One Question You Still Have or
the Book Made You Think About? This book really made me think about how my father treats me during the season because he really appreciates how I play and what I do on and off the field so it don’t effect my game.
*Summary: Stick is a book by Micheal Harmon about a football player named “Stick’’ A.K.A Brett that plays wide-receiver position on offense. He is the best W.R in the country but while he goes through his football career he goes he goes through life struggle with his dad because his mom dies. His father puts a lot of pressure on him so he can make dit big because he father couldn’t. Throughout Brett goes through a lot of things he loses his best friend, his team and even his father, but he makes a new friend named Preston and he’s a crime-fighter but he’s pretty puny. He even joins another team just to beat his old team which all hate him and want to call him for treading them.
*Setting: The time of the book was in present(2016). There were all types of culture throughout the story. The dress like all the kids now in 2016 tight jeans, regular shirt with jordans or converses. They talk with some slang most of the time and crack jokes on each other a lot.The society is kinda wild because Brett and his best friend Preston go out at night to stop crimes to make the society calm and safe.
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September 1, 2015Let me start with the fact I have never read a book by Michael Harmon that I didn't like so I was excited to see his latest book on a recent trip to the bookstore.
Brett "Stick" and Preston have absolutely nothing in common. Stick is a senior making plans for his future, hopefully at UCLA playing football. Preston is a freshman and definitely not an athlete. Their paths cross the day Stick witnesses several of his teammates bullying young Preston. Witnessing raw eggs drop on the head of the skinny ninth grader as the football heroes crack up is a sight Stick can't get out of his mind.
Known as the best high school wide receiver in the state, Stick grew up loving football, but his passion for the game is waning. His demanding coach, his obsessed father, and never-ending workouts have him questioning whether he should continue. When Coach confronts him about his failing grade in math, the pressure is almost too much.
Preston offers to tutor Stick, but the football star has already made a decision about his future in the game. When Stick quits, he feels the wrath of both his father and his coach. They insist that he is throwing away his life and don't care about the feelings that are behind his decision.
As Stick works through his football frustrations, he learns that others who surround him have their own demons and the ability to share the pain with someone who cares can sometimes make the suffering a bit easier. Stick is empowered when he begins to understand what motivates people like his father, his coach, and his new friend Preston.
Author Michael Harmon's talent takes readers right into the hearts of his characters. I cheered, laughed, gasped, and booed as I connected to the well-developed personalities of characters I either loved or hated. STICK will not have time to collect even a particle of dust on the shelf in my classroom. Can't wait to share it with my students.
Brett "Stick" and Preston have absolutely nothing in common. Stick is a senior making plans for his future, hopefully at UCLA playing football. Preston is a freshman and definitely not an athlete. Their paths cross the day Stick witnesses several of his teammates bullying young Preston. Witnessing raw eggs drop on the head of the skinny ninth grader as the football heroes crack up is a sight Stick can't get out of his mind.
Known as the best high school wide receiver in the state, Stick grew up loving football, but his passion for the game is waning. His demanding coach, his obsessed father, and never-ending workouts have him questioning whether he should continue. When Coach confronts him about his failing grade in math, the pressure is almost too much.
Preston offers to tutor Stick, but the football star has already made a decision about his future in the game. When Stick quits, he feels the wrath of both his father and his coach. They insist that he is throwing away his life and don't care about the feelings that are behind his decision.
As Stick works through his football frustrations, he learns that others who surround him have their own demons and the ability to share the pain with someone who cares can sometimes make the suffering a bit easier. Stick is empowered when he begins to understand what motivates people like his father, his coach, and his new friend Preston.
Author Michael Harmon's talent takes readers right into the hearts of his characters. I cheered, laughed, gasped, and booed as I connected to the well-developed personalities of characters I either loved or hated. STICK will not have time to collect even a particle of dust on the shelf in my classroom. Can't wait to share it with my students.
August 21, 2015
Wide receiver Brett (Stick) Patterson and Preston Underwood couldn't be more dissimilar. After all, Brett, a senior on the football team, is expected to go far in life, thanks to his athletic skills. Preston, a freshman, is short and small, and is the object of ridicule from some of the jocks. But as it turns out, the two of them have a lot more in common that might be expected. While Brett has grown to hate the game he once loved and finds himself playing for others rather than himself, Preston heads out each night to fight for justice and protect the underdog. He even wears a superhero costume on his rounds through the seedier portions of Spokane. Both wear uniforms and hide the guilt they feel about the losses in their lives, Brett over his mother's death when he was born, and Preston over his father's death during a robbery. Both seem to be loners for the most part, contending parents who seem to be sleepwalking through life. Preston's mother is in a relationship with an abusive man who belittles her son and take advantage of her while Stick's father drowns his sorrows in alcohol. Teen readers will be drawn to both boys even while worrying about their survival once Stick quits the football team. Clearly, there is something seriously wrong with his coach and his coaching style, and while winning is wonderful, Stick and his father eventually come to realize that it isn't everything and that self-respect ultimately should be what matters. The author captures effectively the passion with which fans and coaches embrace this sport and their inability to understand someone like Stick or his decisions. This book should be required reading for anyone on a football team.
June 8, 2016
Title: Stick
Author: Harmon, Michael
He was born 1966 in L.A who lives in the pacific northwest.he was just a drop out when he was a senior and now writes award winning books (just like this one) for young adults.his first book was skate published in the year 2006 in the city and state of new York
Genre: sports
The point of you in the book stick is in third person.the setting is present time in a small town where football is big. The main character is Brett "stick" Patterson who is the best football player (wide receiver) in his schools history. Stick has a hard life he started to change once his father was killed and plans to avenge his fathers death.id give the authors use of elements a ten out of ten the reason being is because when I read the book he had all the elements to plot he made this book a "nail-bitter". I thought there where two themes Attitude change and Death of an inevitable tragedy.if I had to choose a book between "stick" by Harmon, Michael or "sweetness the enigmatic life of Walter Payton" by Pearlman, Jeff I would pick the biography book about Walter Payton because I am personally a bears fan and love to know the life of the players. Overall I give this book a five out of five stars because like I said before it’s a "nail-bitter" I love the plot twists and I also love how the book is so intriguing that its hard to put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sports aging from 9 years old or 99 years young! But specifically to people who love football.
Author: Harmon, Michael
He was born 1966 in L.A who lives in the pacific northwest.he was just a drop out when he was a senior and now writes award winning books (just like this one) for young adults.his first book was skate published in the year 2006 in the city and state of new York
Genre: sports
The point of you in the book stick is in third person.the setting is present time in a small town where football is big. The main character is Brett "stick" Patterson who is the best football player (wide receiver) in his schools history. Stick has a hard life he started to change once his father was killed and plans to avenge his fathers death.id give the authors use of elements a ten out of ten the reason being is because when I read the book he had all the elements to plot he made this book a "nail-bitter". I thought there where two themes Attitude change and Death of an inevitable tragedy.if I had to choose a book between "stick" by Harmon, Michael or "sweetness the enigmatic life of Walter Payton" by Pearlman, Jeff I would pick the biography book about Walter Payton because I am personally a bears fan and love to know the life of the players. Overall I give this book a five out of five stars because like I said before it’s a "nail-bitter" I love the plot twists and I also love how the book is so intriguing that its hard to put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sports aging from 9 years old or 99 years young! But specifically to people who love football.
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