Bucking the Sarge (2004) is a young adult novel by Christopher Paul Curtis that explores themes of greed, race, and the American Dream against the backdrop of Flint, Michigan. The story follows fifteen-year-old Luther T. Farrell, who is desperate to escape his manipulative mother, known as the Sarge, a slumlord who profits from insurance fraud and managing group homes. As Luther prepares for a science fair and juggles responsibilities at the Happy Neighbor Group Home, he becomes aware of the harsh realities faced by his friends and neighbors, particularly those affected by his mother's unethical practices. When he learns that Sarge has used lead paint in her properties, potentially endangering lives, he faces a moral dilemma that culminates in a desperate bid for freedom and a chance at a new life in Florida. The novel, which has garnered multiple awards, invites readers to reflect on the complexities of ambition, family loyalty, and social inequality.
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