The story of a young boy who killed his friend is told in real life and flashbacks through alternating chapters. Robbie is incarcerated in a school which has its nickname as "The end of the line;" a school where kids are placed when no other school will take them. As Robbie recounts how he wound up there, we see a young 7th grader who loves to run and has a gentle heart take in a stray boy named Ryan. Ryan comes from a dysfunctional home and, despite their differences, the boys become friends. Unfortunately, their differences become what separates them, and Robbie winds up killing him. In order to get out of his current prison like situation and return home, Robbie has to admit what he did, and why. However, admission would be assuming guilt, and Robbie is not ready for that - yet. ( )