Gr 7–9—Eighth-grader Brandon Clifford has the reputation of being a troublemaker in school, but he's something of a knight-errant. He befriends the only black family in the small town of Kingsville, Ontario, helps to evacuate a wrecked train, and stands up to the class bully. When he finds out that Leon, Winnie, and Sam George have managed to stay together only by concealing from the authorities that they are parentless, Brandon helps them to keep their secret and even gets a job so that he can anonymously give them money. When their situation finally comes to light, Brandon attempts to help them evade Children's Aid workers, but they are eventually apprehended. All ends well, however, as the family court makes an exception and allows the children to remain together, with supervision and government assistance. While some incidents are not well-integrated into the plot and there is a certain glorification of adolescent male violence, this first novel has a lot going for it. It is the kind of book that might well appeal to boys who are having trouble in school, but trying to find other ways to make a difference in the world. The author's simple, unadorned style makes it a good choice for reluctant readers.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT