The book takes place during modern times and is about a boy named Jackson Hunter. The characters in this book are: Jackson, Jackson's friend Goat, Alma Jackson's old babysitter, Billy - Ray; Alma's husband, and Jackson's divorced mother and father.

Alma is Jackson's very best friend. They had the best of times when Alma was his babysitter. She even gave him a nickname, Cracker. She called him that because he reminded her of a box of Cracker Jacks; sweet with a surprise inside.

When Jackson suspects Billy - Ray has been abusing Alma, Jackson makes up his mind to put a stop to it. He would even steal his mother's brand new Cutlass. He doesn't have his license or permit, and will drive to the nearby town of Avondale to keep Alma and her baby Nicole from harm. But Alma is to soft - hearted to have Billy - Ray arrested and stays behind with him.

Can Cracker save Alma and Nicole before Billy - Ray kills them both?

I recommend this book to nine years old and older. I really enjoyed this book because it teaches you that just because you don't want to do something doesn't mean that you don't have to do it.