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?
Austin loves mountain bike racing. But after a terrible accident, he gives up biking for good. What will he do when an emergency puts this decision to the the test?
Greg's older sister, Hope, joins the army and goes to war, but then tradedy strikes. She is hit by a bomb and loses her leg. Greg anxiously awaits her coming home.
Drones are a lot of fun to pilot, but what happens when a teenage boy uses his drone to invade his sister's privacy?
A school bully disrupts a major test for one student, but he soon gets a taste of his own medicine.
Jair Nobles still remembers how great it felt. After he and Zander Peterson rescued two girls at a party that got out of hand, other students were full of admiration. Acceptance felt great. But the attention was short-lived. His old life hadn't been happy, but at least it felt familiar. Looking back, he could remember one bright moment. The night everyone thought he was a hero. He would do anything to feel like that again. Anything.
Capital Central High School students Marley and Hector want a better life beyond their northeast D.C. neighborhood. So they study hard, taking extra classes at Tech to get ahead. Book 4 in the Cap Central series continues to explore the broad challenges facing urban schools, including crime, poverty, and encroaching gentrification.
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?
Chris always does the right thing. But when he knows who messed with Sam in the school yard, he can't speak up. His friends can't either. There's the silent Code that every kid follows. Chris decides he can't live with himself if he doesn't say something, so he makes a stand and is shocked at the outcome. Mean bully Phil is actually ... cool. But then Phil asks him to do something so wrong.
Playing soccer is the only time Feng is in control. On the field, he can forget the rest of the world. When an injury puts Feng on the sidelines, he is forced to face the problems in his life head-on. Will he realize that he doesn't have to do it all alone?
BFFs Danya and Emma are known around school as Demma. The girls are total opposites, but they know each other so well that they finish each other's sentences. Danya is plagued with guilt when the girls and Rosie, Emma's mom, are involved in a terrible car accident that leaves Emma in a wheelchair. Danya believes the wreck was her fault because she distracted Rosie from the road and had to be scolded. For a while, Emma believes it too. And she can't forgive her friend.
The family treasure has caused a rift between sisters. Isa's mom proudly shows Grandma's picture above the mantel in the Rodriguez living room. It's the last gift that Isa's grandfather ever gave. And it is proudly displayed, infuriating Isa's aunt. Then it is stolen. But why? Isa learns that to keep a valued friendship, sometimes it's better to think of others before yourself.
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?
