Akil once loved playing basketball. But for the last two years, his heart hasn't been in the game. When an old friend shows up, she reignites his passion for hoops. Will Akil play it safe, or get back on the court?
Victor Flores is a natural born runner, but his struggles with bullying throw him off track. Then a surprising opportunity presents itself. Does Victor have the strength and self-confidence to get back into the race?
Angel "Wings" Alvarez is a baseball star. But an injury caused by a good friend forces him off the field. Can Angel find a way to forgive his friend? Will Angel ever play ball again?
Terrance Wright is struggling. Between being bullied and having a hard time with his schoolwork, Terrance is feeling low. But when he's asked to join the football team, his outlook begins to brighten. Will this opportunity give Terrance the confidence to make some changes in life?
Jordy "Dunk" Duncan hails from a family of star basketball players. After being cut from the team, Jordy secretly finds a passion in a different sport - one that comes with new risks. Will Jordy find the courage to tell his family the truth? How will they react to his newfound interest?
Corey Thompson is a smart, talented basketball player. When his former mentor lets him down, Corey leaves the game behind. Encouraged by a friend, he tries a new sport. But will a danger from his past ruin Corey's future?
All summer, Hugo had practiced at the batting cages. He can't wait for practice to start at school. But he's shaken when he learns his best friend, Eli, won't be playing. Does Hugo have the confidence to make it through the season alone? Will wanting to fit in change him?
Micah Sharp isn't thrilled to be the new student at school. But the chance to make better decisions and sharpen his basketball skills keeps him focused. Will Micah manage to stay out of trouble this time? Has he really escaped his past mistakes?
Jay Reed is headed down the wrong path. The teen often skips school to hang out with his troublemaking friends. Concerned, Jay's mom sends him to live with his strict Uncle Ron in the city. There, Jay takes up soccer, and learns about teamwork, grit, and making good choices in life.
Ruben's life changes after the unexpected death of his older brother. Without his brother's protection, Ruben is bullied. Will the encouragement of a mentor and the support of a coach help Ruben face his fears?
Brad's truth is that life is hard. He's different. Speaking does not come easily. And words get mixed up no matter how much he pays attention. When he meets Reese, he tries to hide his differences. Brad's a hot varsity tennis player. But will he lose Reese if he doesn't come clean?
The student body of Dawson High study hard, date, root for the home team, hold down part-time jobs, succeed and fail, just like most American teenagers. Would Braden betray a friend to get the car that he desperately wants? Braden must find a summer job. If he doesn't, he will lose out on the car of his dreams. His father will only help with the payments if Braden gets a part-time job. But the competition for summer jobs is fierce. How far will Braden go to beat the competition?
The student body of Dawson High study hard, date, root for the home team, hold down part-time jobs, succeed and fail, just like most American teenagers. It's time to elect a new class president. Cory and Eli quickly enter the race, although Jazz and Key aren't so sure that either of them would make a good president. After Jazz agrees to vote for his friend, Cory, he realizes he would like to run himself. Will Jazz turn out to be Cory's friend or foe?
The student body of Dawson High study hard, date, root for the home team, hold down part-time jobs, succeed and fail, just like most American teenagers. When opposing teams stay at the same motel, the coaches give the players strict rules to follow. Be polite and keep to yourselves. At first Rick appears to be cooperative, but Cole begins to question his actions. When Garrett goes missing, Rick acts strangely. What has he been up to?
Follow along with Josh as he practices day and night for the tournament.
Li is trying to pay off a car. It takes her many months of careful saving to make good progress. Right before her last payment is due, something happens that changes things. How can Li follow through on her commitment?
Mai Pham cannot wait to return to Summit after the holiday break. She remembers how she used to dread it. School was a lonely place. But now Mai has two besties: Carson and Emma. Ever since Carson showed up, life has been different. Mai's new school ties don't please her dad. Friendships are a distraction. Can Mai prove him wrong?
Students who fail to turn in their assignments on time will get a zero, Mr. Lee has decreed. Tyler and Malik had fun all weekend. Now they have to stay up all night to write their papers. Their classmate, Darcie, finished her paper days ago. And she agrees with Mr. Li's "no exception" policy. But now she can't find her paper...
"What a thrill!" Rafael thought. But then he looked over his shoulder. Rafael was terrified. It was time to jump.
Everyone asks "what do you want to be when you grow up?" How do you figure out what is right for you?
"They took my clothes. They shaved my head. I was given a prisoner number. I was no longer a human!"
Book 4: Emma Swanson has always been in the shadows at Summit Middle School. Her family's wealth and power have not helped her win any popularity contests. But Mai and Carson make Emma realize that she doesn't need to be part of the in crowd to be happy. Emma is content to help Elise Mitchell, the school's most popular student, and Carson with Mai's budding music career. But once Emma posts a selfie, and gets a ton of likes, she is hooked. And it becomes all about her.
Dad was always depressing Abel with his pyramid stories. He was always dooming Abel to a life at the bottom of the pyramid with all the other miserable losers. No matter how much Abel struggled and clawed, he'd never get to the pinnacle of the pyramid. And his mom was absolutely sure of Abel's incompetence at whatever he said.
