Nothing is like it used to be. If it were Mama would still be alive. Papawouldnt have died. And Charlie would still be the same old loving big brotherto thirtee... » 

Nothing is like it used to be. If it were Mama would still be alive. Papawouldnt have died. And Charlie would still be the same old loving big brotherto thirteenyearold Lafayette not a hostile stranger just back from doingtime at a correctional facility. Oldest brother Tyree would have gone tocollege instead of having to work full time to support the three of them. AndLafayette wouldnt be so full of questions like why Mama had to die whyCharlie hates him so much now and how theyre all supposed to survive thesetimes together when so much seems to be set against them.Jacqueline Woodson brings us the story of three remarkable young men brothers who have only each other to rely on and must decide whether theyllwork with that or let it tear them apart. «