Developing Minds

#1 Global Amazon Bestseller | 1st Place Stargazer Literary Prize Winner | FAPA Bronze Medalist

DEVELOPING MINDS: AN AMERICAN GHOST STORY follows a group of recent college graduates who struggle with alienation and addiction as they try to survive a year of teaching at dysfunctional Miami public schools. A poetic and insightful coming-of-age novel, the story is centered on 24-year-old Luke Entelechy, an aspiring writer who sees his creative output suffer when he begins teaching at one of Miami's most challenging middle schools.

As the year progresses, however, Luke begins to relate to the neglect and abuse his students suffer, and is faced with a "haunting" decision: continue to let his dark past destroy him, or rise above the struggle to realize his potential as an artist and a "real" human being. Equal parts disturbing and humorous, Developing Minds offers a brutally honest, scathing look at the American public school system and the extreme measures teachers take to cope with it.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR DEVELOPING MINDS:

“Inspired by his own travels, screenwriter and author LaPoma's narrative is raw and edgy... Entertaining and authentic look at the troubled American educational system.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Recommended Review Selection

“It is a scathing comic novel about the failures of American urban education, sort of a M*A*S*H for Miami schoolteachers.”

—Patrick Murtha, Book 'em, Danno

“This book is incredibly raw . . . about as far removed from Dead Poets Society as you can get.”

—Gem L. Thompson, The Book Eaters

“Should be required reading for anyone who is considering or has ever considered teaching as a career . . . most highly recommended.”

—Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite

“A coming-of-age novel that tackles alienation, misguided hopes, and addiction, making the tale perfect for those who enjoy satire and darker humor.”

—Ezvid Wiki, 12 Sidesplittingly Hilarious Novels Featured Selection

“His raw, honest and rhythmic voice kept me going to the very end... not a read for prudes, but for those with an open heart.”

—Jill G. Hall, Author of The Black Velvet Coat

自由“Incredibly artistic . . . The vast majority of college grads will relate with themes of alienation, addiction, and misguided hopes... Instead of idealizing public schools, it just lays out the truth.”

—San Francisco Book Review

“Poignant, engaging . . . a frighteningly accurate depiction of inner-city schools... a full-bodied work of fiction that will ring true.”

—Red City Review



THE ALACRÁN SERIES UNIVERSE:

Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story is the fourth book in a loosely linked standalone novel series. Each novel features themes of alienation and transformation and can be read completely independently of the others. Explore the full universe:

• Book 1: Hammond

• Book 2: The Summer of Crud

• Book 3: Understanding the Alacrán

• Book 4: Developing Minds: An American Ghost Story

• Book 5: The Soul City Salvation

Permanently Preserved in National & Elite Research Libraries: The Library of Congress (LCCN: 2019937723) | University College London (UCL) | Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Switzerland)