The Metropolitan Opera House

The book begins at the Met, a prestigious opera house where Ryan feels like he does not belong. However, he succeeds and does well throughout a competition here.

Mrs. Hughes' Classroom

Ryan was in Mrs. Hughes' classroom for 4th and 5th grades. It was a room for kids in the school district who were too violent to be in regular classrooms. In this classroom, Ryan thrived and learned to believe in himself and that he could change his life. He also enjoyed engaging lessons and enjoyable community.

The Center

A judge sent Ryan to a center for troubled preteens. At this center, Ryan often felt lonely and angry. Frequently for breaking rules, he was sent to an isolation room. However, one staff member named Priscilla Jenkins showed him that he genuinely cared. Someone also gave him a radio, and Ryan discovered his interest in singing...