Luther T. Farrell has got to get out of Flint, Michigan.As his best friend Sparky says, Flints nothing but the Titanic.And his mother, a.k.a. the Sarge, says, Take my advice and stay off the sucker path.The Sarge milked the system to build an empire of slum housing and group homes. Luthers just one of the many people trapped in the Sarges Evil Empirebut hes about to bust out.If Luther wins the science fair this year, hell be on track for college and a future as Americas best-known and best-loved philosopher. All hes got to do is beat his arch rival Shayla Patrick, the beautiful daughter of Flints finest undertakerand the love of Luthers life.Sparkys escape plans involve a pit bull named Poofy and the worlds scariest rat. Oh, and Luther. Add to the mix Chester X., Luthers mysterious roommate; Dontay Gaddy, a lawyer whose phone number is 1-800-SUEM ALL; and Darnell Dixon, the Sarges go-to guy who knows how to break all the rules.Bucking the Sarge is a story that only Christopher Paul Curtis could tell. Once again the Newbery Awardwinning author of Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham1963 gives us a whole new angle on life and a world full of unforgettable and hilarious characters. Readers will root for Luther and Sparky every step of the way.Praise for The Watsons Go to Birmingham1963:An exceptional first novel.Publishers Weekly, StarredRibald humor . . . and a totally believable childs view of the world will make this book an instant hit.School Library Journal, StarredPraise for Bud, Not Buddy:Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud.School Library Journal, StarredFrom the Hardcover edition.