Daniel Fleischhacker

A Crack In The Wall Daniel Fleischhacker

Sixteen-year-old Malcolm Maguire is an idealist. Life is good. But his idealism is tested when Lionel Lemmons, a gay black kid, enrolls at all-white Clinton High. Malcolm accepts him without prejudice. Lionel is bullied and harassed and Malcolm becomes a victim because he is too close to Lionel. When they both enter the prestigious High School Art Competition, (first prize is something Malcolm wants more than anything in the world, ) he is blindsided when Lionel wins. Then Lionel is disqualified on a technicality and Malcolm's picture takes first prize. The ball is back in Malcolm's court. Should he keep the prize money and shut Lionel out of his life? If you believe in the equality of the races, you will be stunned. If you believe gay is okay, you will be bothered, but if you believe in the power of one person to make a difference, you will be inspired.