A very good book that will appeal to all readers, not just young adults. It is nice to have a book without a tragic ending but it left me hoping for an even sunnier finale after all the tragedy that the characters had been through. Why not go live with the aunt so the oldest brother can go to college and gain the ability to really help his family in the long run? This would also move the boys out of the city where there is nothing but bad memories, violence and the temptation to stray from the straight and narrow. An ambitious story that deserved a more ambitious ending. I know I wasn't the only one holding my breath when they ran into the gang at the basketball court and Woodson kept referencing the gleaming white tennis shoes on the rich boys feet.
Two cassettes - a story to make a young reader want to read more.
My 16 yr old daughter read this and said it was terrific!