Thompson, Russ

"Roy Perkins struggles in high school and has three strikes agains him. He never knew his dad. His mom died in a meth-lab explosion. And his alcoholic uncle beats him. He is sent to live with a caring foster family. But the challenges continue"--Back cover.

"Miles Pruitt has been struggling in high school. When his dad is sent to prison, things get worse. He quits studying, fails classes, and gets kicked off the basketball team. How will he pick himself up and move forward?"--Back cover.

"Owen Daniels, a ninth grader, has had difficulties with reading since first grade. A teacher works with him, and by the end of the year he makes excellent progress. His family and friends come to believe in him. But he must learn to believe in himself"--Back cover.

"Tenth grader Elgin Hobbs seems fine on the outside. But he's failing classes. His divorced parents fight. And his mom is an alcoholic. He tries to rise above it. But life keeps bringing him down"--Back cover.