From one of the most inspiring and acclaimed young voices, storyteller Torrey C. Butler takes readers into the world of an African American teen, wrestling with his environment to become something greater.




What happens when they are no longer clapping for you?




Eighteen-year-old Xavier "Zay" Dunn is the star basketball player at Magnolia Senior High School. With his skills and seemingly bright future, nothing can stop him from making it to college from his underprivileged neighborhood. Except one thing - decisions.




Just as he finds his footing, avoiding the peer pressure and negative influences from his environment, the sudden passing of his mother stuns his world. The walls are closing in more than ever when he is falsely accused of a crime that would change his life, forever. Instantly he watches everything he's worked hard for dissipate before his eyes.




Once full of tremendous potential, Zay falls into the pit of his unforgiving neighborhood as he navigates life to find himself. Mistake after mistake, he reaches his lowest points but somehow, someway, he knows that he must find The Right Way To Go.




*America's Next Great Author Semifinalist