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Apr 23, 2012jodunne rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Tyrell might not have all the answers, but he knows he doesn't want to wind up in jail like his dad. Having a father in prison isn't Tyrell's only problem. He and his family have been evicted from their apartment and are living in a shelter. Since his mother is incapable of taking care of anyone other than herself, Tyrell must watch over his younger brother, Troy, AND find a way to make enough money to take care of his family. On top of all this, Tyrell is having problems with his girlfriend and is haunted by fears of losing Troy to foster care. Tyrell knows that he needs to do something to help his family, but he is running out of options and time. He has no choice but to try and make one big score that will get his family off the street and back into a proper home. This novel is a gripping, very realistic read. It is told through the first-person perspective, in the voice of a fifteen year old who is forced to make very difficult adult decisions. This novel does a good job of presenting many difficult or controversial subjects, like domestic abuse, sex and homelessness, without preaching to the reader. Tyrell is a deeply reflective character and helps the reader to understand why people act certain ways in certain situations, even when these actions might be distasteful. Readers should be aware that this novel contains some explicit language and references to sex, alcohol, drugs and violence. Recommended for ages 16 and up.