Sleepaway School: Stories from a Boy's Life

The narrative follows Stringer, who, after being placed in foster care by his mother, faces the complexities of being reclaimed only to confront the harsh realities of poverty and racial tension in a predominantly white suburb of New York. His struggles with identity and belonging lead to violent outbursts at school, culminating in his expulsion from sixth grade. This pivotal moment sets the stage for his transformative experience at Hawthorne, a sleepaway school, where he navigates the challenges of his past and seeks a path forward.