Homeboyz

Homeboyz is a powerful young adult novel that delves into the devastating aftermath of gang violence. It follows 17-year-old Teddy Anderson, whose life is shattered when his younger sister is killed in a drive-by shooting. Consumed by grief and a thirst for revenge, Teddy's elaborate plans lead him to juvenile prison. Through an innovative probation program, he's assigned to mentor Micah, a 12-year-old foster child drawn to gang life. This compelling story explores themes of loss, anger, justice, and the transformative power of empathy and connection, even in the darkest circumstances. It's a gritty, realistic portrayal of urban life and the complex paths to healing and redemption.

When Teddy Anderson's little sister, Tina, is gunned down in a drive by shooting, the gang members who rule the streets in the Anderson family's rapidly deteriorating neighborhood dismiss the incident as just another case of RP, RT-- wrong place,wrong time. According to gangsta logic, Tina is just a casualty in a never ending city street war. But while the Anderson family mourns, Teddy plots revenge. Soon he is arrested for attempted homicide, and thrown into the dark reality of California's juvenile prisons, his plans for revenge foiled. However, and innovative probation program earns Teddy early release from jail and house arrest under the supervision of Officer Mariana Diaz. As part of the juvenile rehabilitation program Diaz runs, Teddy is assigned to tutor Micah, a twelve-year-old foster child and wannabe gangbanger who has nothing: no parents, no role models, not even a raincoat to call his own. Teddy pretends to comply with the rules of his probation while using his elite computer hacker skills to plot his final vengeance against the gang members who took his baby sister's life. However, Teddy fails to see that Micah's desperate need for love and trust just might have the power to not only pierce all of Teddy' s defenses, but heal the deep wounds of the Anderson family.