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   Street Smart
          on a
     Dead End

                   by
            M.J. Brett

ISBN #  978-0-9748869-0-3

       When Olivia, an incorrigible sixth grader, enrolls in a new school, her obscene vocabulary and aggressive behavior stymie the faculty. Naive teacher, Kate Johnson, unwittingly becomes the "counselor of chance" as tough-minded Olivia faints in her arms with the words, "Help me!" and reveals a mindful of secrets.
        With no parent to be found, Kate reluctantly takes Olivia home to her family: husband, Phil and two daughters, plus a houseful of kids who "...sort of came to dinner and stayed...for years."
        Olivia's roller coaster ups and downs practically tear apart this straight-laced family. Though all try to be supportive, her various escapades, lies, and disappearances go beyond everyone's level of tolerance. In addition, Olivia soon finds that her previous gang members and drug dealers jeopardize her new life and the family she has come to love, as she swings alternately from one world to the other.
        This novel is based on the true story of dedicated educators fighting abusive parents, drug pushers, gangs, and ineffective laws for protecting children during a time when few resources were known or available. Ingenuity and love and hope are the only weapons Kate and Phil can find to try to help this one lost child.
        But is it already too late for Olivia?  Is the cultural clash of values too insurmountable? The violent climax brings together all the strengths and weaknesses of any family in crisis.
     
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Comment from Readers:
"This story walks off the front pages and challenges us all to keep trying--to never give up on a child. Martha S"
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