Product Details
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, February 2009
Hardcover, 240 pages
ISBN-10: 1416925236
ISBN-13: 9781416925231
Ages: 12 and up
Grades: 7 and up
Description
"WHEN YOU GREW UP IN THE PROJECTS, THERE WERE NO CHOICES. NO GOOD ONES, AT LEAST."
In the Frederick Douglass Project where DeShawn lives, daily life is ruled by drugs and gang violence. Many teenagers drop out of school and join gangs, and every kid knows someone who died. Gunshots ring out on a regular basis.
DeShawn is smart enough to know he should stay in school and keep away from the gangs. But while his friends have drug money to buy fancy sneakers and big-screen TVs, DeShawn's family can barely afford food for the month. How can he stick to his principles when his family is hungry?
In this gritty novel about growing up in the inner city, award-winning author Todd Strasser opens a window into the life of a teenager struggling with right and wrong under the ever-present shadow of gangs.
How did you come to write this book?
I speak at many well-to-do suburban schools where young people have wonderful resources and great opportunities. In recent years I've begun to visit much poorer, inner-city schools and I am dismayed by the lack of resources and opportunity. This feels very unfair, especially in a country like ours.
Todd Strasser's Books
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For Money and LoveAn offer she can't refuse.Kate Blessing is not your typical high school junior. She's a good student who's into guys and the latest designer...Read More -
How I Spent My Last Night On EarthAllegra Hanover is Time Zone High's over-achieving valedictorian, so motorcycle-driving surfer bum Andros Bliss seems like the last person she would...Read More
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How I Created My Perfect Prom DateNicole Maris has it all: looks, popularity, and Brad Selden, the hottest guy in school, at her fingertips. But then Brad decides to take someone else...Read More
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How I Changed My LifeBolita (Bo for short) and Kyle are not exactly in the same clique: She's the shy girl working backstage at the school play, and he's front and center...Read More
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Count Your BlessingsWatch your back.Kate Blessing may have made it to senior year, but being the boss of her family has taken its toll. With the cracks in the Blessing...Read More
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Stolen Kisses, Secrets, and LiesIt ain't easy being the boss....Life's been tough for Kate Blessing. Her parents are still on the outs, the family's about to hit the mattresses, and...Read More
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Shirt and Shoes Not RequiredA house at the beach.A bunch of hot strangers.A three-month party that'sOff The Hook.Seven randoms cram into a house down the shore, and they've all...Read More
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Sidewayz GloryThe cops cracked down on illegal races, and now the only street racing around is at the hottest casino on the strip. The casino owner is starting his...Read More
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Slide or DieA house at the beach.A bunch of hot strangers.A three-month party that'sOff The Hook.Seven randoms cram into a house down the shore, and they've all...Read More
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Can't Get There from HereHer street name is Maybe. She lives with a tribe of homeless teens -- runaways and throwaways, kids who have no place to go other than the cold city...Read More
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Give a Boy a GunFor as long as they can remember, Brendan and Gary have been mercilessly teased and harassed by the jocks who rule Middletown High. But not anymore....Read More
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Spell DangerHere Comes Heavenly...She's cool, she's punk, she's Heavenly, the nanny for my little brother, Tyler. And she makes magic. But this time not even...Read More
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PastabilitiesHERE COMES HEAVENLY...She's cool, she's punk, she's Heavenly, our nanny for my baby brother, Tyler. And she makes magic. So who'd ever believe she is...Read More
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