Fifteen-year-old Rob Garrett wants nothing more than to escape the segregated South and prove himself. But in late 1950s Virginia, opportunity doesn’t come easily to an African American. So Rob’s parents take the unusual step of enrolling their son in a Connecticut boarding school, where he will have the best education available. He will also be the first student of color in the school’s history. No matter—Rob Garrett is on his way.But times are changing. While Rob is experiencing the privilege and isolation of private school, a movement is rising back home. Men and women are organizing, demanding an end to segregation, and in Rob’s hometown, his friends are on the verge of taking action. There is even talk about sitting in at a lunch counter that refuses to serve black people. How can Rob hope to make a difference when he’s a world away? Boarding School Story: Rob trades the segregated South for the privilege and isolation of a New England private school, where he is the first and only student of color. Identity and Belonging: Torn between two worlds, Rob grapples with who he is and where he fits in—a struggle that will resonate with any teen who has ever felt like an outsider. Social Justice for Teens: While Rob navigates a world of unwritten rules and hidden prejudice, his friends back home are planning lunch counter sit-ins, forcing him to ask what role he can play in the fight for change. Friendship and Loyalty: When Rob witnesses another new student become the target of cruel bullying, he must decide whether to stay silent to protect himself or stand up for what’s right.
