Stick

Brett Patterson, the best wide receiver in the history of his high school, and Preston Underwood, a brilliant and bullied student, form an unlikely friendship in Harmon’s (Under the Bridge) empowering story about escaping guilt, embracing second thoughts, and trusting oneself. After Brett stands by while his teammates pull a humiliating prank on Preston, Brett questions his life’s direction. With the state championship approaching and a UCLA scout coming to town, Brett quits the team, making enemies of his coach, teammates, and hard-drinking father. Meanwhile Preston, whose father was killed during a mugging, has taken to donning a superhero costume at night and recklessly attempting to fight crime on the streets of Spokane. It takes time for Brett and Preston to see eye to eye, but they build a friendship based on loyalty and brutal honesty, encouraging each other to turn their lives around on their own terms. While Brett narrates, Harmon’s well-crafted dialogue makes both boys’ pain and turmoil deeply felt. Preston’s caustic and often insightful voice (“You never do anything dangerous, do you?” he asks Brett) is especially resonant. Ages 14–up. (Aug.)