The Pass

"The Pass" by Sara Laux Akin is a heartfelt story about friendship, loss, and the power of reading. The narrative follows Sam, a young boy who has a close bond with his best friend, Milo. When Milo moves away, he leaves Sam a special gift—a book that becomes a source of comfort for Sam during a time of emotional turmoil. As Sam immerses himself in the story, it serves as an escape from both missing Milo and the changes happening in his own life, including a significant shift in his family dynamics.

However, when the book goes missing, Sam learns an important lesson: the true gift Milo gave him is not just the book itself, but the deeper connection that reading fosters. It teaches him about resilience, empathy, and the lasting bond of friendship, even when people are far apart.

Through themes of sports, reading, and emotional growth, The Pass offers a tender exploration of how the right book can help ease the pain of loss, while also providing a sense of empowerment and connection that transcends distance and time.