Jamal Hicks

Jamal is the protagonist. He is a young black boy of twelve who lives in a very poor area of the city with his mother and sister. His father has abandoned his family and only shows up when he needs money. His elder brother, Randy, is in jail. His sister is younger than he is. Jamal's relationship with his sister is often contentious because she enjoys telling on him to their mother. Jamal's relationship with his mother is very loving. He worries about her. He hates the fact that his brother and father have made his mother sad and have done things over the years to make her cry. He is very sensitive to her and is aware of her deep love and commitment to her children.

Jamal easily gets drawn into situations that prove to be harmful. At school, the classroom bully, Dwayne Parsons, continually challenges...