Playing Without Dad: A Teen Athlete's Story of Loss, Basketball, and Never Giving Up

When Michael Jett was nine years old, his life split into two: the life before he lost his dad, and everything after. Playing Without Dad is his honest, deeply personal account of growing up as a young athlete while carrying a grief that never fully disappears — the empty seat in the stands, the advice his father never got to give, the milestones he now faces without him, and the game that became the one place he could finally breathe. Written in Michael's own voice, this is more than a memoir. It's a companion for any young person walking through loss. Across eighteen short, relatable chapters, Michael shares what actually helped and what didn't, how his mom became both parents, how his younger brother grieved while still showing up for him, and how basketball, faith, and the people around him helped him heal — without pretending the pain was ever gone. Woven throughout are reflection prompts, guided writing pages, and companion journaling space that invite readers to process their own story at their own pace. The book closes with practical resources for readers, families, coaches, and counselors, including how to ask a trusted adult for help, ways coaches can support a grieving athlete, and questions worth bringing to a school counselor. Playing Without Dad is written for young athletes ages 10 to 18, and for the parents, teachers, coaches, counselors, and youth leaders who stand beside them. It offers what grief so rarely gives: the reminder that your story isn't over, that asking for help is a strength, and that it's possible to miss someone deeply and still build a life full of purpose, joy, and success. For every kid who has ever felt alone. For every young athlete who wished their parent could be in the stands. Your story is not over.

Details

Publication Date

Aug 9, 2026

Language

English

ISBN

9780557965090

Category

Young Adult

Copyright

All Rights Reserved - Standard Copyright License

Contributors

By (author): Michael Jett

Specifications

Pages

103

Binding Type

Paperback Perfect Bound

Interior Color

Color

Dimensions

US Letter (8.5 x 11 in / 216 x 279 mm)