The Garage Beast

Jackson Stryker is twelve, restless, and grieving the loss of his beloved Papa. When Jackson discovers Papa's old dirt bike hidden away in the garage, he finds something words cannot give him: motion, focus, and a way forward. With a local youth riding challenge on the horizon, Jackson commits to rebuilding the bike one piece at a time, leaning on the guidance of family members and trusted adults along the way. Garage Rules is a middle-grade sports novel about grief, resilience, and learning how to keep going. Written for readers ages 10-14, the story features a neurodivergent protagonist with ADHD and highlights strengths often overlooked: creativity, hyperfocus, persistence, and problem-solving. As Jackson learns to ride smarter, ask for help, and trust himself, the garage becomes a place of healing, connection, and growth. This action-driven coming-of-age story blends dirt bike racing, family legacy, and social-emotional learning in an accessible, hopeful way. Perfect for readers who enjoy hands-on challenges and heart-filled stories, Garage Rules is well suited for classrooms, libraries, and independent reading. The book includes an Educator Discussion Guide, making it a valuable resource for conversations about perseverance, mentorship, and emotional regulation. Sometimes healing does not happen all at once. Sometimes it happens one ride at a time.