The Boy who carried bricks

Abandoned by his unknown father, neglected by his mother, Alton Carter is a product of foster homes and a boy's ranch-home. As the second of five children he endured a childhood full of violence, hunger, and isolation. But he never gave up, standing up to abusive relatives and sibling and cousin bullies. He always kept an eye out for those he encountered who might help him along the way to his goal : a normal life. And through sheer determination he got it. A former police officer he is now director of youth ministries for a methodist church.