Reese Anderson is a young black man from Harlem spending time in juvenile detention for a non-violent crime, but his sense of morality keeps getting him into trouble. He's one who has a chance to get out of jail, but he can't be a silent spectator to the abuse of a small, weak inmate, so every time he comes to the rescue he digs himself a deeper hole. His only relief is a work release program at a nursing home, where he helps care for an elderly patient who has seen some tough times himself. Can Reese learn to control his temper while keeping his humanity? And what kind of future awaits him back on the streets anyway? Myers is the voice of impoverished black youth, and seems to know their despair from the inside-out. The language is really difficult for those not familiar with street slang, though, making it a difficult choice for boys who are reluctant readers. Coupled with the fact that there's not much action and a fair amount of introspection will make it hard for its intended audience, troubled young men, to keep turning the pages.