Doing one's best, win or lose, is the secret of true champions. Mickey learns to overcome Buck Pender by becoming a better pool player, not giving Buck a payoff, and taking the high road. Joseph Alvarez returns to town after a nine year absence to restore his relationship with Mickey's family. Mickey's mother struggles to forgive Joseph who she feels deserted the family after her husband's death. I hope that the integration in Sticks will offer students a new look not just at pool, but at themselves and the world around them.
Some people see numbered balls on a table and just learn the rules.
But when the game's in your blood, you learn what's inside of you. Copyright 1996, Joan Bauer.