Description

Author Matt Wallace delivers a deeply moving story exploring that first formative friendship, navigating challenging family circumstances, and finding hope and strength in a forgotten desert town. Perfect for fans of Ernesto Cisneros and Julie Murphy.

The isolation and bullying Stan suffers at school are nothing compared to the war at home. After he tries and fails to defend his mom by standing up to his abusive father, Stan decides there is only one solution to finding a new self-confidence: he must learn how to fight.

Tragic events have split the two sides of Elpidia's family into fighting factions. Every day she finds herself outnumbered by her cousins on the schoolyard. After the latest beatdown, her grandmother decides Elpidia must learn how to defend herself.

Stan and Elpidia seem like total opposites, but when they both wind up with the same reclusive trainer, they find an unexpected friendship as they work together to overcome their bullies. But when Stan gains the attention of a powerful gang leader, it threatens to pull him away from his new best friend. Will their dreams for the future be enough to get them out of this small town?

Coming of Age Story: Two kids from opposite sides of the tracks--one facing a war at home, the other fighting her own family in the schoolyard--must learn who they are and what they're made of.
Found Family: In a town where they both feel alone, Stan and Elpidia find an unexpected ally in each other and a mysterious mentor who teaches them more than just how to fight.
Filipino Martial Arts: Features authentic depictions of Escrima, as Stan and Elpidia learn to defend themselves with stick fighting techniques from their reclusive teacher, a man with his own secrets.
Heartfelt Emotional Read: A powerful and honest look at domestic violence, bullying, and poverty, balanced with the hope and resilience found in true friendship.