The Role of a Father

While modern society is challenging some traditional family roles, most people see a father filling the role of provider. In this novel, a 17-year-old named Maverick Carter suddenly faces his role as father while struggling with a non-traditional relationship with his own father. Maverick and other characters cope with the daily responsibilities and joys of being a father, sometimes while dealing with unreliable role models and outside influences.

Maverick's father, Adonis, was once the crown (leader) of a gang called the King Lords. Zeke was his "right-hand man." Maverick is often called "Li'l Don" and Zeke's son King is called "Li'l Zeke," even though Adonis is in prison and Zeke is dead. Maverick makes the comment that "Guess we not old enough to go by our own names yet" (5). Adonis and most of the older members of the gang are no longer...