Ryan Speedo Green

Ryan Speedo Green is an African American boy who grew up in Virginia with his brother, Adrian. His father, Cecil, left Ryan and Adrian when he and Valerie had a divorce. Ryan and Valerie fought a lot during his childhood. However, Ryan found refuge in Mrs. Hughes' classroom. He was sent there because he had too many behavior problems in regular classrooms. Mrs. Hughes deeply and tirelessly cared for her students, and Ryan responded positively to her care.

During Ryan's middle school years, he and his mom fought, and he was eventually sent to a facility. He did connect, however, with one adult there, Priscilla Jenkins. When Ryan was released from the center, he tried to make positive choices. He befriended academically focused kids, including a quiet kid named Jared. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Ryan eventually was accepted into an advanced singing program...