Synopses & Reviews
Clay is committed to cleaning up his act. He’s at Daytop, a drug treatment facility, working towards getting his GED and kicking his drug habit. Then one day his estranged cousin, Addison, shows up at the program. Addison’s a bigger, bolder version of Clay: he’s older, he’s into harder drugs, and he’s in more trouble.That trouble comes to a head one tragic night on a rooftop when Addison is shot by the police as Clay stands just a few steps away. Addison wasn’t armed. He didn’t deserve to die. But was he completely innocent? And what will prove more difficult for Clay—living a lie, or facing the truth?
Review
"This is a thoughtfully crafted and deceptively simple story that knits together a high-interest plot, a readable narrative…and complex personal and societal issues that teen readers will passionately engage." -Booklist, starred review
Review
A readable narrative crackling with street slang, and complex personal and societal issues that teen readers will passionately engage. (Booklist, starred review)
Synopsis
Cousins Clay and Addison were like brothers, growing up together in the projects, until they were ripped apart by a family argument. when they are reunited in a drug-treatment program, they try to work out their issues like a family. but one night, one wrong decision, leaves Clay shaken and Addison dead. And in the rash of events that follow, the truth of what actually happened on the rooftop of the apartment building is caught up in a clash of politics and racial issues. will Clay be able to rise above the lies and face the truth?
About the Author
Paul Volponi is the author of the critically acclaimed young adult novel Black and White. From 1992 to 1998, he taught adolescents on Rikers Island in New York City to read and write. Mr. Volponi worked at a day treatment center like Daytop teaching students and helping them prepare for the GED. Mr. Volponi lives in New York City.