And if that isn't enough change, he learns that many of his friends are suddenly part of white flight to other schools. The Laurel Canyon kid, Charlie, is also the youngest in a family still mourning the death of his one-year-older brother Andy. Armstrong, the family youngest, with five sisters, doesn't take anything from anybody, and he plans to stay that way.

to Wonderland Elementary in the Hollywood Hills.

That means that Armstrong and a few others are switching schools from South Central L.A. They call it 'experimental busing,' in the 1970s. That's gonna depend, I think, if it's the world against Armstrong. It doesn't always have to be Armstrong against the world.' Mama said. You know, Armstrong, it's not just an opportunity to to change schools. All starting sixth grade, going through the same changes.

One thing about Mama, she will never tell me a lie.

– Gary Schmidt, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now 'Frank imbues all of his main players-from Armstrong’s one-legged Korean War veteran father to Charlie’s mother, who is mourning the death of her eldest son-with distinctive voices, giving emotional substance to their triumphs and heartbreaks while never talking down to his audience.'Whose idea was it to send me to a new school? You think the white kids want us to come?' This novel is an exultation of hope-and a dang good story to boot. Armstrong and Charlie are real kids, and their friendship is a real friendship, and their conflicts are real, and their courageous solutions are real as well. It warns us of those forces that divide us, and celebrates the strength of those who can overcome them. 'Armstrong and Charlie are endearing and layered protagonists worth cheering for.' – Horn Book '.will have readers cheering.' – Bulletin * ' Unforgettable, well-drawn titular characters are the heart of this deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny story about family, friendship, integrity, and navigating differences.' – Kirkus, starred review 'This uplifting and touching exploration of friendship, with a vivid setting, is a solid addition to most middle school libraries.' –School Library Journal Armstrong and Charlie is one of those distinctly American books that speaks to us of who we are.

Armstrong & Charlie by Steven B. Frank