Alone — John Langan

Your turn, the teacher urged, motioning for Michael to come to the front of the class.Michael gripped the side of his desk to steady himself as he stood up. His limbs suddenly felt weak and rubbery. With his heart pounding like a hammer, Michael limped awkwardly to the front of the room. Students on both sides of him craned their necks to look down at his feet. Someone near the back snickered. Brandon shook his head and grinned malevolently.There is no refuge for fourteen-year-old Michael Tatem. A childhood injury has made him a target at Bluford High. And deeper wounds at home have left him shy, isolated, and friendless. But an unexpected connection at school gives Michael a glimpse at a new life. Can he embrace it and forge a new path for himself? Or will his attempt backfire, leaving him more vulnerable and alone than ever?