"The fictional diary of a first-year English teacher at Pico-Union High School, one of America's worst performing schools in one of Los Angeles' most dangerous neighborhoods ... Weapons, drugs, failing grades, brawls, and graffiti are the norm; homework, reading, and safety are fantasy. Enter David O'Brien, a recent college grad who intends to overcome a multitude of obstacles and change the school's failing ways"--Publisher's Web site.