Life is grand in Max's eighth grade world: he has a pretty girlfriend, cool friends, and a trouble-free life -- nagging mom aside. But a fateful shortcut to school one December morning finds Max crossing paths with a local gang. When fearless Good Samaritan Scott Kramer saves him, Max feels indebted and eagerly welcomes him into his inner circle at school...oblivious that Kramer is about to turn Max's world upside down.
Troy Garrett teaches eighth grade English at Warner Middle School in Westminster, California. He enjoys reading, history, sports, and traveling. He and his wife live in Long Beach.