A Hero Grows in Brooklyn

Steve Marino is not seeking to become a junior high school hero. However, he is interested in "respect." Should he follow in his father's footsteps, a big strong man who is quick to put others down, be provoked into violence and discipline Steve with the back of his hand? Or would it be better to adopt his Uncle Rickey's approach, a guy who is just as big and strong as Steve's dad, but with a knack for avoiding violence and developing a friendly loyalty by participating in fun activities?

Before he can decide, suddenly Steve is shocked to find his father's approach has flung his family into utter poverty. Now, forced to move in the middle of the school year, a deeply depressed Steve tearfully asks, "How can I start all over? I put everything into making things work right in Bensonhurst. I've lost everything."

Things turn dramatically worse. As Steve signs up to attend his new school, two police officers and several parents show up. "Who's gonna be the next to die!?" screams one of the parents. "Huh!? Who's gonna be next!? Answer me! ANSWER ME!"

And so begins Steve's first bleak day at Cunningham Junior High.

In this deathly atmosphere, Steve seeks to earn the respect of his new classmates while trying to come to grips with his turbulent feelings for one of his classmates, the beautiful and strange Mysterious Jane.

Amidst gut wrenching swirling emotions, Steve discovers he must face the Skull Bones, a knife slashing gang. Armed only with courage, he takes on the fight of his life.