Javier is an at-risk kid, no doubt about it. His dad bounces in and out of jail and in and out of his life. His mom is absent a lot, trying to get her life on track and stay off drugs. Javier and his buddies were jumped into the Playaz, the gang that runs their neighborhood, after sixth grade. Starting at junior high, Javier has a choice to follow his homies who get high and are getting more and more involved in the Playaz or try to stay on track. He is selected to work in the physical disabilities classroom for his service class. He doesn't want to be associated with the special ed kids, but his experience there changes his life. He connects with Dontae, a minimally verbal wheel-chair bound student. A touching story and quick read. ( )