Book DescriptionThe inspiring true story of a ferociously determined young man who, armed only with his intellect and his willpower, fights his way out of despair. At Ballou Senior High, a crime-infested school in Washington, D.C., honor students have learned to keep their heads down. Among the mere handful of students with a B average or better, some plead to have their names left off the "Wall of Honor" bulletin board; others hide during …showed first 75 words of 563 total…

…showed last 75 words of 563 total…about getting good grades or doing well. Cedric was one of the few students who earned honors and really cared about his grades. However, Cedric had to pay a price for doing well in school. He was teased mercilessly. For instance, after he received recognition for academic honors during a school award assembly, he was booed and called a geek. The only thing that wouold keep Cedric going was the motivation from his loving mother.