This is an interesting story about a 10-year-old, black boy, and how a series of events leads him to playing in a card tournament with a new female friend. Interwoven through the story is his relationships with his friends and family, and the impact that alcoholism and gambling can have on a family. These issues are framed in a context that young readers can handle and understand so that they're not too overwhelming but still given the seriousness they deserve. The main character is supposed to be 10 years old but he seems more like a 12-year old to me. One of my students read the book and liked it.