The Boy Who Hit Back

Matthew Wasnt Always a Problem Child But Now Hes Screwing Up... Big TimeAfter Matthews parents marriage collapsed and his brother and father both disappeared this once-popular high school kid learned how to act out: fighting stealing skipping school and generally tearing his world to pieces.But when Matthew runs away to the seductive streets of Greenwich Village he becomes fascinated with a mysterious panhandler called Sailor Barlow. Barlow offers him a life of freedom and release he never imagined and when Matthew discovers a dark secret about Barlow the youth convinces himself that hes the only one who can save his new friend--even if he has to risk everything to do it.As Matthew descends ever-deeper into New York Citys terrifying underworld--a hellhole full of liars cheats thugs and murderers--he must use his newfound fierce cunning to his advantage if he wants to survive.Can Matthew claw his way back from the brink of destruction? Or will Sailor Barlow draw him so deep into his own dark world that he drowns?Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Angelas Ashes by Frank McCourt Lord of the Flies by William Golding and Hatchet by Gary Paulsen are sure to love this inspiring coming-of-age novel.