Is there really a choice when it’s between your family and your future? Frankie is counting down the days until he can leave Jamaica and go to college in America. He has a full scholarship in engineering at the University of Arizona. Frankie’s father is proud of his achievements, and has worked hard to keep Frankie away from gang life and his brother’s posse. But when Frankie’s father is shot, and the life saving treatment is more than he can afford, Frankie turns to his uncle for help. Is joining his uncle’s gang too high a price to pay, even if it means helping his father? Can Frankie adjust to a life he was never meant to experience? And when he finally gets attention from his longtime crush Leah, will Frankie learn that the turn down this corner is too dark to travel? This story take you on a ride that has you rooting for Frankie and hoping all his dreams come true.
Michelle Peterson-Davis has over 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator at the secondary and elementary level. Michelle has served as an English Teacher, Reading teacher, building administrator, and K-12 ELA Director. She has served on the New York State English Council board for over 10 years in various capacities, including twice as President. In 2019 the NYSEC board honored her with their highest honor, the Fellow Award, for her service to both the Council and teaching profession. Michelle has presented workshops at local, state, and national conferences. She was a board member on the Long Island Language Arts Council, has participated on an advisory panel between P-12 and higher education on Long Island, and facilitates collegial circles for ELA leaders. In addition, Michelle has served on the New York State Education Department Content Advisory Panel for ELA for over 10 years. Michelle is a wife, dog mom, avid reader, and beach lover.