Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork

Pancho is grieving and angry over the death of his sister, Rosa, when he arrives at St. Anthony's, a group home for boys.  He doesn't want to get involved with anyone.  He just wants revenge for Rosa's death, and he then he will be prepared to accept the consequences.  At St. Anthony's he meets D.Q, a boy who is struggling with his own problems and refuses to leave Pancho alone. 

D.Q. convinces Pancho to come to the city with him for his cancer treatments.  He promises Pancho that if he will just stay with him during the treatments and recovery, he can sneak away and take care of his own plans.  Pancho agrees, but the more time he spends with D.Q. and his friends, the more he begins to question himself. 

Who will Pancho decide to become?  Will he continue on his path of anger and destruction, or will he choose another road? 

I loved this book!  It is a great discussion on what it means to be your own person and choose your own destiny.  (8th grade)