Skip to Main Content

About The Book

When Dan and his family go from middle class to homeless, issues of injustice rise to the forefront in this relatable, timely novel from Todd Strasser that VOYA calls “poignant,” “darkly humorous,” and “exceptionally thought-provoking.”

It seems like Dan has it all. He’s a baseball star who is part of the popular crowd and dates the hottest girl in school. Then his family loses their home.

Forced to move into the town’s Tent City, Dan feels his world shifting. His friends try to pretend that everything’s cool, but they’re not the ones living among the homeless. As Dan struggles to adjust to his new life, he gets involved with the people who are fighting for better conditions and services for the residents of Tent City. But someone wants Tent City gone, and will stop at nothing until it’s destroyed...

About The Author

no credit

Todd Strasser has written many award-winning novels for adults, teenagers and children including Boot Camp, Can't Get There from Here, Give a Boy a Gun and Girl Gives Birth to Own Prom Date, the latter of which was adapted for the Fox feature film Drive Me Crazy, with script by Rob Thomas. Todd Strasser speaks frequently at schools. He lives in Westchester County, New York.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (January 28, 2014)
  • Length: 272 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442457232
  • Ages: 12 - 99

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

"Timely and important material."

– Booklist

"Clearly meant to inspire discussion about morality in the face of today’s social and economic problems, the book also delivers an authentic look at contemporary high-school society."

– Publishers Weekly

"Dan's experience with middle-class poverty is accessible and timely".

– Kirkus

"This compelling social commentary challenges stereotypes about homelessness from the perspective of a middle-class teen...Readers will be drawn into this contemporary story."

– SLJ

Awards and Honors

  • CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
  • Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)
  • MSTA Reading Circle List

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Todd Strasser