A Boy Named Walter: Hitchhiking Orphan Can Only Move Up in the World

Based on a true story, A Boy Named Walter follows a twelve-year-old orphan who flees an abusive foster home and hitchhikes to the coastal town of Sea View, California. Alone but determined, he finds a room, a job, and a school—and, along the way, a community of teachers, coworkers, and a kindly landlady who quietly become his family. Warm and inspiring, Walter's story of grit and courage shows how education, hard work, and a positive attitude can transform a child's life.

• Based on a true story—the co-author actually lived it, then became a teacher, principal, and Fulbright scholar.
• A 12-year-old alone against the world who refuses to give up—perfect for reluctant and at-risk readers.
• Endorsed by principals, teachers, and school administrators as a classroom and counseling tool.
• Ties directly to the real AVID program used in thousands of schools.

Perfect for a teacher, counselor, parent, or middle-schooler looking for an inspiring true-based story about a foster kid who overcomes hardship through grit and the support of caring adults.