When Carly Cameron picks Dustin Groat's name for a class interview assignment, she feels like screaming. Almost everyone in her community fears the Groats--a gun-toting, lawbreaking clan that lives on the edge of town. Sure enough, the first few interviews confirm Carly's suspicions: like the rest of his family, Dustin is surly and unresponsive. But as time goes by, Carly uncovers the tragic truth about Dustin's home life, and realizes that behind the tough exterior is a scared and unhappy boy who desperately needs a friend.'Very human. Brimming with compassion.' --Kirkus Reviews