LAPD Lieutenant Peter Decker and his team of Homicide detectives wade into a violent situation when they set out to investigate the death of Father Jupiter, a brilliant astrophysicist who vanished from the profession only to reappear ten years later as the leader of the pseudoscientific cult, the Order of the Rings of God.
Photographs and text introduce the Los Angeles Lakers, and briefly describes the history of the professional basketball team, key players and personalities, victories and losses, their fans, and other topics.
Los Angeles teacher Rafe Esquith tells the story of his career, discussing how he has repeatedly challenged the system of public education and achieved success promoting a program of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
High school senior Jayd tries to take control of her life with the help of her college freshman friend Keenan, while her parents look for the person responsible for the murder outside her grandparents' house, Mickey and Nigel fight for custody of their daughter, Esmeralda gains power in the neighborhood, and her ex-boyfriend goes back to his ex-girlfriend.
Jayd Jackson, who has finally completed her advanced placement exams, tries to deal with the drama surrounding her at her mother's house while attempting to focus on spirit lessons and her hair braiding business.
African-American high school junior Jayd Jackson tries to juggle conflict with her ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend while starting a new relationship with a half-Jewish white boy.
Jayd and her friends, fed up with the way the school is handling Cultural Awareness Day, decide to form the first African Student Union, much to the administration's disapproval, and a new Latino sophomore catches Jayd's eye.
