Sam

Sam is a freshman in high school. He’s in the latest of several foster homes he’s lived in since his parents died three years ago. His bright red hair makes him stand out, especially, it seems, to bullies. When he’s leaving a convenience store in a foul mood after the owner tried to cheat him, Sam bumps into the high school football quarterback and hits him, breaking his nose. Things go downhill in a hurry, and Sam ends up in Juvie. He finds there are bullies there too, but also some good people ready to help him. He makes a good friend with another newbie, Nigel, who helps Sam control his temper, but others do everything to rile him up.

Eric Walters has written a real page-turner of a book that has great characters, serious and very believable problems and situations, and a most compelling story. The first-person point of view, allowing Sam to tell his own story, is a powerful choice. The dialogue is spot on for all the characters, but especially the young people. While young readers will certainly love this important book, it deserves readership well beyond its intended audience.