"Feels how Lou was with Frankie is how Frankie
is with me. He keeps me on the right path and
away from what could get me hurt.
This garage saved Frankie, and in a way, this
garage saved me too.
Always felt safe here. Loved. I feel that now as
Uncle waves me into his office. Plants all over.
I joke, "Like Jurassic Park in here ... "
Trevor is 12, and carrying a big weight. His stepdad will soon be out of jail, put there for abusing Trevor's mother. Trevor has promised to protect his mother and sisters always. How can he keep them safe from his stepdad? Will boxing lessons help?
The trainers at the boxing club refuse to train him. They had promised his Uncle Lou, they would keep him in school and out of trouble. He'll ask someone else. Turning to his other uncles, the men in the neighborhood who are considered family, Trevor seeks advice. They don't want him to turn to violence either. They would rather that he works to become the artist he is meant to be.
Without their help, Trevor must decide for himself who he wants to be. Does he want to jeopardize his future by learning how to fight someone bigger and stronger? Is fighting the answer? There are a lot of issues for readers to consider while reading this short, powerful novel. The chapters are concise, and move quickly, making this a good story for reluctant readers. Love for the community that supports him, and the sympathetic characters will resonate with readers through this winning first-person narrative. Trevor is fully aware he will have the support he needs, no matter the circumstances.
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