One of Us

Themes: Hi-Lo, High school, neighborhoods, family, loyalty, friendship, urban teen fiction, bullying, abuse, learning differences, mystery, friendship, guilt. Written for young adults, the Urban Underground series confronts issues that are of great importance to teens, such as friendship, loyalty, drugs, gangs, abuse, urban blight, bullies, and self-esteem to name a few. More than entertainment, these books can be a powerful learning and coping tool when a struggling reader connects with credible characters and a compelling storyline. The highly readable style and mature topics will appeal to young adult readers of both sexes and encourage them to finish each novel. Harriet Tubman HS Series-- Derrick Shaw is struggling to keep a C average at Tubman High School. He suffers a lot of bullying and abuse because he isn't sharp, but he manages along with the help of great friends. In an alley on his way home from a part-time job, Derrick witnesses a murder. To save his life, he promises not to reveal the identity of the shooter, a former Tubman student. But Derrick feels sick and guilty about his vow of silence.