We Beat the Street - by Sampson Davis & George Jenkins & Rameck Hunt & Sharon Draper (Paperback)

About the Book

This "New York Times" bestseller is the dramatic, inspiring story of three inner-city youths--Samson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt--whose strong friendship gave them the strength to continue their education and become doctors. Photos.

Book Synopsis

Uplifting and inspiring, this true story about how three friends came together and encouraged one another to achieve great success will speak to young readers everywhere.

"All readers will be riveted by the profoundly inspirational stories and personal, intimate voices that discuss big mistakes and complicated emotions, including 'survivor guilt' for choosing a different path from friends and family." --Booklist

Growing up on the rough streets of Newark, New Jersey, Rameck, George, and Sampson could easily have followed their childhood friends into drug dealing, gangs, and prison. But when a presentation at their school made the three boys aware of the opportunities available to them in the medical and dental professions, they made a pact among themselves that they would become doctors.

It took a lot of determination--and a lot of support from one another--but despite all the hardships along the way, the three succeeded. Retold with the help of an award-winning author, this younger adaptation of the adult hit novel The Pact is a hard-hitting, powerful, and inspirational book that will speak to young readers everywhere.

Review Quotes

"All readers will be riveted by the profoundly inspirational stories and personal, intimate voices that discuss big mistakes and complicated emotions, including 'survivor guilt' for choosing a different path from friends and family." --Booklist

"Readers searching for role models should find much to cheer and emulate here." --Publishers Weekly

"The writing here, whether Draper's or the doctors', is simple and accessible and there is plenty of action for reluctant readers." --School Library Journal

About the Author

George Jenkins, Sampson Davis, and Rameck Hunt grew up together in Newark and graduated from Seton Hall University. Davis and Hunt received their medical degrees from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and Jenkins received his dentistry degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry. The three doctors are the recipients of the Essence Lifetime Achievement Award. All three continue to live in Newark.