Ted Louis, who retired from a career in computing, had a passion to try and reform Children's Protective Services. By writing an extensive series of books, we see some of the abuses that particular authority has perpetrated against the ones they are sworn to protect.
Joel, a pre-teen who has suffered through physical and sexual abuse, is at his wits end when he witnesses the murder of his mother. Crane Johnson, a wealthy 29 year old bachelor, takes it upon himself to rescue Joel from his abuse and the system that would further abuse him. Oh! Did we mention Joel's three brothers?