In this book we find the fictional, but all to realistic story of life for many young teenagers in Urban areas across the United States. The book takes the reader through the mind of Reese Anderson, a 15 year old boy, as he tries to survive and overcome being at a juvenile detention center. This book is excellent for talking about what it feels like when we have a loss of hope. How we control our emotions, and when we know what things to fight for and what things to let go. It creates a great opportunity to find what out what drives students to dream, as Reese's sister Icy is one who helped him to stay focused and dream. ( )

Reese is serving time in juvenile detention for stealing prescription pads from a pharmacist. He's there among youths of varying thuggery, from the volatile "King Kong" to childlike Toon. Reese isn't as hardened as most others but he's prepared to defend himself when necessary. You sense he walks a fine line but it would be a struggle to stay on the side of right. His work program at a nursing home introduces him to old Mr. Hooft whose stories about being imprisoned in a war camp give Reese something to think about. (BTW, I HIGHLY doubt the nurses are allowed to teach Reese how to change Mr. Hooft's bandages.) For kids in similar situations, reading Reese's story will hopefully enlighten them to finding their own right path. ( )

For some reason, this one has been sitting on my shelf for months. I thought I better read it when saw it received an NBA nomination and glad I did. This novel is Walter at his very best! ( )

5Q
5P

This vividly realistic portrayal of a young man in prison depicts victims and perpetrators of street violence in ways that will make both children and adults think seriously about the issue. The story is a real page-turner that will draw children in and keep them wondering what will happen next.

Reese is in a juvenile correction facility, “Progress”, for stealing blank prescription pads. Shortly before he is to be released, he is chosen to work in a nursing home as part of a pilot project reintroducing delinquents to society. Reese gets to know one of the elderly residents, Mr. Hooft, who is suspicious of black people and convinced Reese is a hardened criminal.
As if Mr. Hooft’s prejudice is not enough, Reese has to contend with unpleasant wardens and inmates at the progress center while struggling to keep his temper if he is to earn early discharge. Outside, life isn’t very promising either. Reese’s mother has a drug addiction, his sister Isis is young and vulnerable, and his brother Willis may be involved in local petty crime. Can Reese be a model prisoner and a good friend, son and sibling?
Meyers makes strong criticism of the effectiveness of the juvenile correction system the ulterior motives behind some parental actions and the divergent realities of different social and racial groups. His characters are believable and the story weaves some less well known historical information together with the social issues. ( )