Ten-year-old Mickey doesn't remember his dad: he died when Mickey was a baby. But Mickey wants to follow in his father's footsteps and be a championship pool player. His best friend, Arlen Pepper, is a math whiz who helps Mickey calculate angles for his shots, but it's going to take more than geometry to win the upcoming Youth Championship Tournament. Then Joseph Alvarez, an old friend of Mickey's dad's, comes into town. He offers to coach Mickey, but Mickey's mom says no; she doesn't want her son being disappointed if Joe fails him the same way he once failed her. Warm, funny, singular characters, realistic family interactions, and enthusiastic discussions of vectors and angles characterize a novel that will make young readers smile. (Ages 9-11)

Award-winning author of Hope Was Here delivers another heartwarming tale where a young pool prodigy overcomes challenges with the help of family, friends, and a pet pig.

“Micky’s authentic voice draws readers right into the story.”—Kirkus Reviews

Mickey has a dream—pool. After all, pool is in Mickey Vernon’s blood. His family owns the neighborhood pool hall, and his dad was a champion nine-ball player. That’s why Mickey knows that he will win the Junior Nine-Ball Championship. All he has to do is beat Buck Pender. The problem is, Mickey’s three years younger than Buck, who could eat him for a light snack.

Mickey knows he can’t do it alone. With ace player Joe Alvarez as his coach, and his best friend Arlen and his pet pig Mangler standing by him, can Mickey beat the odds?