Not surprisingly, his parents' half-baked notions of integration don't work out so well for their son. It's a book about race, and growing up, the perils of friendship among boys, and -- especially -- about being bullied.  (New York Times reviewer AO Scott describes the bullying ritual as "a disconcerting amalgam of mugging, con artistry and mock affection.")  Great stuff for anyone who's been in this situation, or is in it now.  Here's an excerpt:  View From a Headlock.