In the inner city project where DeShawn lives, daily life is ruled by drugs and gang violence. Gun shots ring out on a daily basis, and the cops never do anything about it. Most teenagers he knows drop out of school and join gangs. And everybody knows someone who has died because of it. DeShawn is smart, he knows he should stay in school and keep away from gangs. But while his friends have drug money to buy expensive shoes and flat-screen TVs, DeShawn’s family can barely afford food. How he stick to his morals when his family is hungry?
This book gives readers insight into a problem that many teenagers must face in reality, having to give up school and safety in order to take care of their families. It is very well written and talks about an issue often overlooked in young adult writing.
Fans of Todd Strasser will love this new book that makes us question how well our society really works.