King of the sticks

Reach for this book when your child feels underestimated or misunderstood, and needs a story about discovering their inner strength. Set in 19th-century Australia, King of the Sticks follows Custard, a boy considered slow and strange by his family, who is suddenly kidnapped. Alone in the harsh wilderness with his mysterious captors, Custard must tap into a resilience and courage no one knew he possessed. This historical adventure is ideal for readers 9 to 12 who can appreciate a complex, character-driven story about identity, bravery, and proving that strength comes in many forms.