Ham has been homeschooled by his mom and involved with the church community which she leads as a preacher. To help protect her health and ease her stress, Ham now attends public school. Learning the ins and outs of public-school culture is a challenge for Ham, but Fey, his new neighbor and friend helps him navigate. Ham also finds himself attracted to Micah, a good-looking boy with plenty of cool vibes. Ham's strong feelings blind him to Micah's evasive ways and he soon finds himself in over his head trying to protect Micah when they both get into serious trouble. Ham's ardent devotion as Micah strings him along is cringe-inducing--observant readers will see the train wreck coming. It's tempered by the caring adults in Ham's life, his mother; Deuce, a father-figure neighbor; Coach Becerra, and the church ladies. Suspenseful, compelling and ultimately empathetic. ( )