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 is now a Junior in High School. Between his class load and the State tests he is doing, he will graduate this year. His two concerns are what college or university he will go to and how he will keep his relationship with Jimmy, who is already in Uni. As is usual in life, there are ups and downs as Joel's high school days wind down.