Pick-Up Sticks

Thirteen-year-old Polly lives a structured life in Vancouver with her single mother, dividing her time between school, volunteering, and playing French horn. Her world centers around their home, complete with a stained glass window made by her mother, and her interactions with neighbors Ms. Protheroe, her son Ernie, and best friend Vanessa. The foundation of Polly's life shifts when she learns their house will be demolished in two months, and her mother struggles to find new housing. The impending loss of their home forces Polly to confront questions about her identity and family structure that she previously avoided. The narrative follows Polly's journey through uncertainty as she grapples with housing insecurity and her relationship with her mother. She begins to examine her desire for a father figure and fantasizes about someone rescuing them from their situation. Pick-Up Sticks explores themes of family bonds, identity formation, and the impact of housing instability on young people's sense of security and belonging. The novel presents these complex issues through the lens of a teenager's everyday experiences and relationships.

This young adult novel resonates with readers who relate to the protagonist's struggles with her nontraditional family structure. Reviewers mention the authentic portrayal of a teen navigating complex relationships and finding her place. Readers appreciate: - Realistic family dynamics and conversations - Strong character development of Polly and her half-siblings - Accurate depiction of 1990s Canadian life - Age-appropriate handling of mature themes Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Some side characters lack depth - Abrupt ending that leaves questions unanswered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (124 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (8 ratings) One reader noted: "Ellis captures the awkwardness and uncertainty of being 14 perfectly." Another said: "The relationships between siblings felt genuine but I wanted more resolution at the end." The book won the 1992 Governor General's Award for Children's Literature.

Ten Kids, No Pets by Ann M. Martin The ups and downs of a large family's move to a new home reveals the complexities of sibling relationships and family dynamics.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall Four sisters navigate summer adventures and family bonds while staying at a cottage with their widowed father.

Rules by Cynthia Lord A girl's relationship with her autistic brother leads her to understand family responsibilities and acceptance.

All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor Five sisters experience daily life, traditions, and changes in their Jewish family in early 1900s New York.

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes Four siblings face the challenges of small-town life and financial hardship with their single mother during the 1940s.

🌟 Sarah Ellis has won multiple prestigious awards, including the Governor General's Award and the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award 📚 The French horn, which Polly plays, requires exceptional breath control and can produce over 4 octaves of musical range 🏠 Housing insecurity affects approximately 1.7 million Canadian children, making Polly's story particularly relevant to contemporary readers ✍️ Sarah Ellis worked as a children's librarian before becoming an author, giving her unique insight into young readers' interests and needs 🎭 The book's title "Pick-Up Sticks" reflects the game where removing one piece affects all others - similar to how changes in Polly's life create a ripple effect